Organizational change management overview template

Did you know that only 34% of change initiatives succeed? Beat those odds with an organizational change management template. It helps you plan, execute, and smooth out the bumps along the way, making sure that everything is aligned and ready for the shift. With sections for setting clear goals, assessing impacts, and crafting communication and training plans, it turns what could be a chaotic process into something organized and manageable.

Perfect for teams leading the charge on change — whether you're in HR, project management, or executive leadership — this template keeps everyone on the same page and moving in the right direction. It’s a great way to tackle change head-on, reduce resistance, and ensure that the transition is as smooth and successful as possible for everyone involved. 

Organizational change management templates help you:

• Navigate and manage change: Provide a structured approach to planning and executing organizational change initiatives, ensuring a smooth transition.

• Cover key elements: Help your teams define goals, assess impact, and create actionable plans for communication, training, and stakeholder management.

• Align teams and stakeholders: Ensure everyone is on the same page and working toward the same objectives as you’re managing change.

• Increase likelihood of success: Support a positive transition by keeping the process organized and focused.

How to use the organizational change management template

Step 1: Define the change goals

Unlike the 51% of leaders who don’t outline success metrics, you’re going to start this process by setting yours. Start by outlining the specific objectives of the change initiative. What do you want to achieve? These goals could include improving efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction, or implementing new systems.

Step 2: Assess the impact

Use the template to assess how the change will affect different areas of the organization, such as employees, processes, and technology. This will help you understand potential challenges and opportunities.

Step 3: Identify key stakeholders

Identify the key stakeholders impacted by the change. This includes employees, managers, leaders, and external partners. Understanding their concerns and involvement is crucial for a successful transition.

Step 4: Develop a communication plan

Craft a communication strategy that outlines how information will be shared with stakeholders. This could include regular updates, town halls, and Q&A sessions to keep everyone informed and engaged.

Step 5: Plan for training and support

Determine the training needs for employees who will be affected by the change. Use the template to plan the necessary resources and training sessions to ensure a smooth transition and adoption.

Step 6: Create a timeline and milestones

Establish a timeline for the change process, marking key milestones along the way. The template will help you set deadlines for each phase of the change and track progress to ensure everything stays on track.

Tips for using the organizational change management template

• Involve stakeholders early and often: 66% of knowledge workers aren’t very happy with how their team works together. Ensure that key stakeholders are involved from the start and throughout the change process. Use the template to identify their needs, concerns, and roles in the transition.

• Customize to your needs: While the OCM template provides a solid framework so adjust timelines, communication strategies, and training plans based on the specific changes you're implementing and the context of your team.

• Keep your template flexible: Change rarely goes exactly as planned, so being flexible and responsive ensures that any bumps in the road are quickly addressed.