Managers must therefore make every effort to safeguard the self-esteem of their people throughout the challenging transition period. They will begin to take pride in their ability to face new challenges. During the transition period, people often work long hours, doing the old job while learning the new one. Tempers become short as employees see less of their families and more of each other. Managers need to provide support, recognition and compensation for this extra effort.
Rewards can range from cash bonuses to special trips to celebrations.
Special care in providing adequate food and other physical comforts in the workplace also helps keep up morale. But the important point is that the extra work and time must be recognized as voluntary, never taken for granted. Then people are more willing to go the extra mile that any change requires. If they have felt let down or unrewarded for past efforts, they understandably question why they should put in extra effort now. As long as people remain resentful about the past, they will not commit themselves to the new future.