WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO INVOLVE CHANGE MANAGEMENT IN YOUR PROGRAM?

Change is inevitable in any organisation, and managing it effectively can be the difference between success and failure. While technology and processes are often the focus, it is the people who ultimately determine whether change takes hold. Involving change management from the very beginning of a program enables proactive stakeholder engagement, strengthens the business case, informs resource planning, shapes training and support, and significantly increases adoption and success rates. Research shows that early involvement not only boosts employee readiness but also delivers a strong return on investment. In contrast, bringing change management in late often shifts the focus to crisis management, fuels resistance, limits impact assessments, and adds unnecessary costs. Although it is never too late to introduce change management, early integration ensures smoother transitions, stronger engagement, and more sustainable outcomes. By treating change management as a strategic enabler rather than a last-minute fix, organisations can empower people, reduce risks, and realise the full benefits of transformation.