10 Strategies for Overcoming Resistance to Process Changes from Long-Tenured Employees
Change can be challenging, especially when long-tenured employees are resistant to new processes. This article explores effective strategies for overcoming such resistance, drawing on insights from experts in organizational change management. By implementing these proven techniques, businesses can foster a culture of innovation while respecting the experience and contributions of veteran team members.
- Demonstrate Benefits Through Hands-On Experience
- Involve Long-Tenured Employees in Process Development
- Pair Veterans with Junior Staff
- Listen and Communicate Change Rationale
- Prove Personal Time-Saving Benefits
- Use RICE Framework for Objective Comparisons
- Lead by Example in Policy Implementation
- Connect Changes to Tradition Preservation
- Combine Coaching with Regular Team Retrospectives
- Focus on Objective Performance Metrics
Demonstrate Benefits Through Hands-On Experience
I don't typically consider "change management techniques." My crew has been with me for a long time, and they're accustomed to a certain way of doing things. They don't appreciate change merely for its own sake. So when I decided to purchase a new conveyor system to remove old shingles from the roof more quickly, there was some resistance. The old method was what they were familiar with.
My most effective strategy for encouraging them to embrace the change was a straightforward, hands-on approach. I didn't simply tell them the new system was superior; I allowed them to try it. I said, "You guys use the old method on one half of the roof, and we'll use the new system on the other." It was a simple, real-world test that demonstrated a direct, tangible benefit. They witnessed with their own eyes that the new system was faster, safer, and saved them a considerable amount of physical labor.
This approach worked because I wasn't just giving orders. I was showing them that this "change" was for their benefit. It was about making their lives easier and their jobs safer. The resistance dissipated because they saw the advantage for themselves. The work improved, and morale increased significantly because they felt like they were part of the solution.
My advice to other business owners is this: stop searching for a corporate "solution" to your problems. The best way to "manage change" is to be a person who is honest with their team. The best way to "gain buy-in" is to show them that a new process is there to help them, not to just change things for the sake of it. When you do that, the team will support you.
Involve Long-Tenured Employees in Process Development
I overcame resistance to process changes from long-tenured employees by making them part of the solution rather than just recipients of a new system. The most effective strategy was to involve them early in pilot testing and feedback sessions. These employees carried institutional knowledge that was valuable, and by asking for their input, they felt respected instead of sidelined.
For example, when we implemented a new CRM, I invited senior staff to identify pain points in the old system and test workflows in the new one. Their feedback led to improvements that made adoption smoother for everyone. Once they saw their fingerprints on the final process, they became advocates rather than critics.
The key lesson I learned is that buy-in comes from ownership. When people feel consulted and heard, they are far more likely to champion the change and encourage peers to adopt it as well.
Pair Veterans with Junior Staff
When our company faced a significant performance decline, I realized our traditional processes were no longer effective and required immediate change. My most effective strategy for gaining buy-in was establishing a quarterly process where managers deliberately pair veteran employees with junior staff to rebuild existing procedures from scratch. This pairing approach creates an environment where experienced team members feel valued for their knowledge while also being challenged by fresh perspectives. The veterans get to share their institutional knowledge while junior staff contribute innovative ideas, creating mutual respect and collaborative problem-solving. By formalizing this process and making it a regular part of our operations, we transformed resistance into engagement and showed everyone that their input was essential to our future success. The results were remarkable, as employees who initially resisted change became some of our strongest advocates for continuous improvement.
Listen and Communicate Change Rationale
One thing I quickly learned at Spectup is that long-tenured employees often resist process changes not because they are unwilling, but because they have seen countless initiatives fail over time. Early on, when we introduced a new client onboarding workflow, I noticed hesitation from team members who were comfortable with legacy practices. I remember taking time to sit down individually with them, listening to their concerns, and explaining not just the mechanics of the new process but the reasoning and benefits behind it.
At Spectup, we emphasize that gaining buy-in requires empathy, transparency, and involving employees in shaping the change rather than imposing it top-down. One lesson I learned is that demonstrating early wins with small pilots can turn skeptics into advocates because they see tangible improvements without feeling threatened. Another insight is that framing change in terms of how it makes work easier, reduces frustration, or improves outcomes creates alignment with both personal and organizational goals. Over time, this approach reduced friction, increased adoption rates, and strengthened trust between leadership and long-tenured employees. Ultimately, the most effective strategy combines clear communication, active listening, and early demonstration of value to ensure that process changes are embraced rather than resisted.
Prove Personal Time-Saving Benefits
It takes smart leadership to introduce new methods, and respecting the experience of your long-time team members is the best way to make a change work. My approach to new systems is a lot like upgrading a classic circuit. The "radical approach" was a simple, human one.
The process I had to completely reimagine was our administrative flow, moving from paper job sheets to a mandatory digital tablet system. The resistance from our senior tradesmen was strong—they trusted their clipboard more than a screen. I realized that a good tradesman solves a problem and makes a business run smoother by showing them the immediate, personal benefit.
The most effective strategy for gaining buy-in was The Personal Time-Saving Guarantee. I showed the senior staff how the new system eliminated their most hated chore: manual inventory tracking. I proved that the new process saved them 30 minutes of paperwork per day, allowing them to leave the job site earlier. I made the most resistant individual the official "system tester."
The positive outcomes were fantastic. Once they saw the system was giving them back personal time, resistance vanished. It significantly improved job efficiency and proved that the business valued their time.
My advice for others is to connect the change to a personal gain. A job done right is a job you don't have to revisit. Show them how the new system helps them succeed. That's the most effective way to "overcome resistance" and build a business that will last.
Use RICE Framework for Objective Comparisons
When introducing process changes, I've found success by preparing concise documentation that clearly outlines the rationale and sharing it broadly before holding open discussion meetings. We implement the RICE framework (Reach, Impact, Confidence, and Effort) to objectively compare current processes with proposed changes, which helps remove emotional attachments to existing methods. This approach transforms resistance into valuable feedback, allowing us to refine our proposals while giving team members a genuine voice in the evolution of our processes.
Lead by Example in Policy Implementation
When we introduced our return-to-office policy, I found that leading by example was key to overcoming resistance. I flew from Sydney to Kathmandu to work from our office location, rather than just telling everyone else to do so. The best approach was to combine this visible leadership with persistent encouragement over several months, understanding that it takes time for people to adapt. Consistency in messaging and showing the benefits of in-person collaboration gradually got buy-in from 50% to the full team.
Connect Changes to Tradition Preservation
At our business, many employees have deep generational ties to the land. Initially, there was resistance to change due to fear that something precious might be lost. We addressed this by demonstrating that every change was designed to protect traditions rather than replace them. We focused on making the benefits clear and tangible. For instance, switching to eco-friendly packaging helped reduce landfill waste. Seeing how these steps preserved the estate's natural beauty made the process meaningful and relevant to everyone involved.
Education played a central role in gaining support. We invested time in training sessions where employees could see and experience the improvements firsthand. Practical demonstrations allowed them to understand the purpose behind each change. By maintaining transparency and connecting actions to visible results, we built confidence in the journey forward. Over time, employees embraced new practices while feeling that the heritage and values of the estate remained respected and secure.
Combine Coaching with Regular Team Retrospectives
When implementing agile practices across our organization, I faced significant resistance from teams accustomed to traditional work structures. My most effective strategy was investing in proper agile coaching combined with regular team retrospectives that focused specifically on team dynamics and addressing concerns openly. We also made a point to celebrate small wins that demonstrated tangible benefits of the new approach, which helped skeptical team members see the value firsthand. This combination of support, dialogue, and visible results proved crucial for transforming resistance into genuine buy-in for our process changes.
Focus on Objective Performance Metrics
When facing resistance to process changes, I found that focusing on objective performance metrics was crucial for overcoming pushback from long-tenured team members. By clearly demonstrating the productivity gains and business benefits that would result from the changes, we were able to shift the conversation from emotional reactions to data-driven decisions. This approach allowed us to present the restructuring as an opportunity for improved organizational performance rather than a criticism of existing practices, which ultimately helped secure buy-in from key stakeholders.
