What’s the True Cost of Fast-Tracked Change?

a middle aged women sitting at her desk, head in hands looking at her note book. Surrounding her is a hand with a phone, a arm with a watch on it being pointed to the time by a hand, spreadsheets, documents and charts depicting too much going on.

Rushing change may deliver quick wins, but it often comes at a hidden cost to employees’ well-being, psychological safety, and long-term morale. Without a clear strategy and a focus on people, rapid change can lead to stress, burnout, and resistance that undermine adoption and productivity. Successful transformation requires balance: a clear vision, strong stakeholder engagement, expert guidance, and a people-centred approach that supports resilience. When change is thoughtful and inclusive, organisations achieve both speed and sustainability, creating lasting agility without sacrificing their people in the process.