The need to embrace change is greater than ever.

The volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) landscape of new regulations and headwinds are bringing transformative change alongside new technologies (e.g., AI innovations, digital mobility), making change constant.

In this rapidly changing environment, one of the enablers of success is deploying change communications effectively across an organization. When done right, employees feel more engaged and invested despite external influences and the need to adapt to them.

Your Guide to Effective Change Communication


To help you lead through transformation, BDO’s People Strategy & Solutions team—comprised of seasoned professionals with deep experience across industries—has developed a practical, fillable worksheet. This tool is designed to help you:

  • Structure clear and consistent messaging
  • Align stakeholders across all levels
  • Build trust and transparency
  • Keep employees informed and engaged

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Download the Worksheet

This tool is designed to help you turn change into opportunity. Enter your email below to download the worksheet and start planning your next successful change initiative.

5 Tips to Successfully Communicate During Times of Change

Take time to reflect on the tips below curated by our professionals, then utilize the worksheet provided to help you effectively communicate your next change:

Communicate with Deep Authenticity.

It’s easy to lose trust in the validity of messages from leaders when you only share the upside to change. Show up authentically and honestly. In some cases, that may include openly admitting that you don’t have all the answers.

Err on the Side of Transparency.

Not every detail of a change can be shared but sharing what is relevant and applicable to your people assuages the rumor mill and helps your professionals come to terms with the change quicker.

Ensure Consistency in Messaging.

We joke that ‘Middle Management is where good communications hit walls’ because we often see a breakdown in messages from Executive Leadership to front-line employees. When communicating changes, it’s very important that all leaders are aligned in messaging, so all levels hear the same message across all levels.

Communicate Frequently.

In times of profound change, the urge is to wait until all of the details are ironed out before the communications are shared. Build trust by communicating frequently – even if it’s just a little information – by telling your employees “We’re still working out the specifics and will share more when we can” as opposed to keeping them in the dark.

Utilize Various Tools and Channels.

It’s said that an individual needs to hear or read about a change 5 to 7 times before they fully understand and can embrace the change. Everyone absorbs information differently, so sharing the message in writing as a formal announcement, using video recorded messages, presenting at a town hall or team meeting, and hosting smaller discussion sessions are all helpful ways to lead change.