Clark: Change in the workplace is inevitable… and challenging – FleetOwner

Change is, and always has been, inevitable. But change is happening exponentially faster than in the past, and keeping up with these changes can be incredibly challenging and disrupting, especially in the workplace.
It’s happening so quickly that it’s become literally exhausting as noted by a Harvard Business Review article published in late December. The author talks about change fatigue, noting how “the recent wave of relentless change validates that 49% of workers feel that they will be left behind from the pace of change.” When workers feel this way, it’s understandable that they face change with reluctance and resistance.
Add to that the fact that employee engagement is at its lowest point in over a decade. According to an article in CFO, only 31% of workers are engaged on the job. Between low engagement and workplace changes, those responsible for managing change initiatives are facing real challenges.
See also: Before making a change, start with change management
So, how does all this apply to fleets? Last year, I wrote an article about managing change management, specifically in our industry. Where our technicians once worked with traditional tools of the trade, today a laptop is likely one of the most essential tools to deal with new and emerging truck technology. Drivers also need to understand how these technologies will impact their driving behavior. Even those in the back office are affected by automation and digital transformation.
After reading the above articles and seeing how AI is quickly emerging as a major disruptor and change actor in the workplace, I thought it might be the right time to revisit what fleet managers (or whoever is responsible for leading the change) need to do to ensure success. The most important thing to remember is that everyone has a part to play, that they are invested in the initiative’s ultimate success.
To achieve the organization’s goals, managers must take these three essential steps:
In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, change management is not just a necessity but a critical skillset for organizational success. As change accelerates, it becomes increasingly clear that effective change management can mitigate disruption while fostering a culture of resilience and innovation. By implementing the outlined strategies—defining a compelling vision, securing leadership buy-in, maintaining transparent communication, and actively addressing resistance—managers can empower their teams to embrace change with confidence. That will turn challenges into opportunities and propel our fleets forward into a future defined by adaptability and growth.
Jane Clark is the senior vice president of operations for NationaLease. Prior to joining NationaLease, Jane served as the area vice president for Randstad, one of the nation’s largest recruitment agencies, and before that, she served in management posts with QPS Companies, Pro Staff, and Manpower, Inc.

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