Successful change:

How to combine ADKAR and Agile for maximum impact

 

Leading change is one of the biggest challenges for managers and HR leaders. Resistance, uncertainty and lack of commitment can slow down even the best initiatives. But by combining The ADKAR model with The Agile methodology, and use heart rate measurements and OKRs, you can create a both structured and flexible change journey – where employees are on board.

ADKAR + Agile = Dynamic Change Management

By bringing together The ADKAR model with Agile principles You get a framework for not only planning change, but also adapting it to the organization's needs in real time.

1. Create a strong foundation with ADKAR

  • Awareness: Why is the change needed? Set a clear direction and anchor it in the business's goals.
  • Desire: Create engagement by linking the change to employees' motivation and driving forces.
  • Knowledge: Ensure that everyone knows how to act through training and clear guidelines.
  • Ability: Provide support and training so that knowledge is translated into action.
  • Reinforcement: Ensure that the change is sustained through follow-up, measurements and rewards.

2. Pulse measurements and employee surveys – an invaluable temperature gauge

For change efforts to be successful, you must understand how employees experience it. Heart rate measurements and employee surveys gives you real-time data about:

✅ Engagement levels – Are the employees motivated and understanding about the change?
✅ Resistance and concern – Are there specific areas where change is experienced as challenging?
✅ Leadership efforts – Is the support from management perceived as sufficient?
✅ Areas for improvement – What needs to be adjusted in the change process?

By measuring these factors continuously, you get early warning signs and can adapt the strategy before the change meets too much resistance. Yesbox platform makes it easy to send out short, regular heart rate measurements and analyze the results.

3. Keep the change process smooth with Agile

  • Flexibility: Adapt the strategy based on the insights from the heart rate measurements.
  • Iterative steps: Implement the change gradually and adjust as needed. Small wins increase acceptance.
  • Feedback loops: Regular feedback via employee interviews and surveys ensures that the change works in practice.

4. Use OKRs to guide and measure change

OKR (Objectives and Key Results) is a powerful method for setting goals and tracking progress. By linking change efforts to clear goals, it becomes easier to ensure that the organization is moving in the right direction.

🔹 Example of OKR for change work:

✅ Objective: Increase employee engagement in the change process.
Key Result 1: 80% of employees should have participated in at least one change meeting.
Key Result 2: At least 70% should feel that they receive sufficient information about the change (measured through heart rate measurements).
Key Result 3: At least 75% should feel that their feedback is taken seriously and influences the change process.

✅ Objective: Improve the implementation of new ways of working.
Key Result 1: 90% of the teams should have undergone training in the new way of working.
Key Result 2: At least 80% of managers should feel that they have the right tools to support their teams.
Key Result 3: At least 70% of employees should feel confident in using the new processes.

OKRs make the change concrete, measurable and action-orientedBy combining OKRs with insights from heart rate measurements, you can quickly identify whether change efforts are having an effect – and adjust if necessary.

5. Communication and leadership – the key to success

  • Clarity and transparency: Use multiple channels to reach the entire organization.
  • Committed management: Managers and internal change leaders must lead by example.
  • Employee engagement: Let employees be involved, influence and see their role in the change.

Yesbox helps you succeed

With Yesbox digital platform you can easily collect feedback, conduct performance reviews and measure engagement in real time – all to make your change journey smooth and data-driven. Whether you're working with onboarding, skills development or organizational change, there are tools to ensure success.

✅ Heart rate measurements & employee surveys to understand and manage resistance to change.
✅ OKR & goal management to ensure that the change is in the right direction.
✅ Digital dialogues & follow-up to keep everyone informed and engaged.

???? Do you want to know more? Book aBrain smart Yesbox  demo and take control of your change journey today!