Facing digital transformation with resilience – operational measures to strengthen the openness towards change

Abstract

Particularly in times of digital transformation processes, it is important to meet the associated challenges in the world of work and to be prepared to go along with the associated changes. But many companies - especially small and medium-sized enterprises - do not know exactly how to prepare their workforce for change and to strengthen their openness towards change. For this reason, appropriate company measures are necessary, for example in the form of training courses or workshops that focus on the development of employees’ mindsets. On the one hand, a certain resilience is required on the part of employees. The ability to cope well with turbulence and challenges is known as resilience. For example, this has a positive effect on the health, the performance and the attitude towards new of individuals. On the other hand, it is important to prepare the workforce for change processes which may result from the use of new technologies. This can be achieved by familiarizing employees with new technologies and involving them in the change process at an early stage. Therefore, this article aims to turn out measures that can help to increase the resilience and acceptance of new technologies of individuals working in manufacturing companies. Accordingly, two exemplary company measures to strengthen the openness towards change are presented.