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Change management in IT transformation projects – esoteric or indispensable?

As part of digitalization, change management is an important step towards becoming fit for the future and meeting customer demands. The reason: a high median age of the workforce, increasing regulatory pressure and the simultaneous development of the “old” and “new” world often push financial services providers and insurers to their limits in terms of organizational structures and staff.

Just about every company is therefore setting the course for transformation, which often begins with the IT infrastructure:

Change management processes: where do the challenges lie?

Financial institutions and insurance companies today face the challenge of adapting to a rapidly changing environment. It quickly becomes clear, however, that considering the technological perspective alone is not enough. The conversion of IT infrastructure leads to far-reaching changes in the operating model and in processes.

Lengthy transformation projects require intensive collaboration between specialist departments and IT employees. A purely technologically driven transformation without empowering the people involved will leave the organization overwhelmed. Therefore, holistic change management is indispensable.

zeb change management model Figure 1: zeb change management model

The basic principle that everyone involved in the project is implicitly a change manager is crucial. The project stakeholders know the general conditions best and directly influence the perception of the IT transformation. Change management must therefore be integrated as a key element of the transformation in order to actively involve and support employees.

Change management: methods and phases

In organizations with little change and project experience, project staff are quickly overwhelmed by the demands of an IT transformation project. Time and quality are crucial for success; employees should therefore be brought on board and supported.

It is important to work on motivation, attitude and mindset in order to strengthen the sense of responsibility and achieve speed. The impact of IT projects on the organizational and operational structure must also be monitored. Change management helps to communicate into the organizational levels at an early stage and to operationalize the changes together with those affected.

Embedded change management

Impersonal communication can lead to resistance and negative messages on the office grapevine. Organizational units must therefore be informed and empowered separately.

Accordingly, our zeb framework for embedded change management considers all relevant dimensions in the various phases of an IT transformation:

Embedded change management – zeb approach Figure 2: Embedded change management – zeb approach

Conclusion on change management

Change management is absolutely indispensable for every IT transformation. It is a necessary component that makes a decisive contribution to success. Those responsible for transformation should therefore consider the required skills and their responsibilities at an early stage, even in the ramp-up phases.

Only by taking a holistic view and actively involving employees can insurance companies meet the challenges of IT transformation and make themselves fit for the future in the long term.

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Svea Brömel / author BankingHub

Svea Brömel

Senior Manager Office Frankfurt
Justin Cosack / author BankingHub

Justin Cosack

Senior Consultant Office Münster
Lara Limpinsel / author BankingHub

Lara Limpinsel

Consultant Office Frankfurt
Pascale Ullmann / author BankingHub

Pascale Ullmann

Consultant Office Berlin

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