--- title: 7 Reasons employees often pushback against change description: Change is not made without inconvenience. So, business needs to look at how to strategize change based on how it will affect people. image: https://old2.bizzmine.com/hubfs/7_Reasons_employees_often_pushback_against_change-1.jpg --- * ![Search-icon](https://old2.bizzmine.com/hubfs/Header%20Megamenu%20Img/Search-icon.svg) * [![Bizzmine_Logo](https://old2.bizzmine.com/hubfs/Header%20Megamenu%20Img/Bizzmine_Logo.svg "Bizzmine_Logo")](https://bizzmine.com?hsLang=en) [![Bizzmine_Logo](https://old2.bizzmine.com/hubfs/Header%20Megamenu%20Img/Bizzmine_Logo.svg) ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/?hsLang=en) * ![Search-icon](https://old2.bizzmine.com/hubfs/Header%20Megamenu%20Img/Search-icon.svg) * [Get a demo ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/request-demo?hsLang=en) en ###### [BIZZMINE PER USER](https://old2.bizzmine.com/request-demo?hsLang=en) [ ###### Quality Manager Lorem Ipsum Dolor sit met, lorem isum ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/customer-experiences/barsan?hsLang=en) ###### Safety Manager Lorem Ipsum Dolor sit met, lorem isum ###### IT Manager Lorem Ipsum Dolor sit met, lorem isum ###### End User Lorem Ipsum Dolor sit met, lorem isum ###### [SATISFIED CUSTOMERS](https://old2.bizzmine.com/request-demo?hsLang=en) ###### Staxs How compliance is ensured with BizzMine ###### Beaulieu BizzMine, the QHSE backbone ###### H.Essers BizzMine eQMS, a very intuitive tool ###### Carbogen AMCIS Lorem Ipsum Dolor sit met, lorem isum ###### Limagrain Lorem Ipsum Dolor sit met, lorem isum ###### Discover all stories Lorem Ipsum Dolor sit met, lorem isum ###### SPREADING THE QUALITYOF SECTOR LOREM IPSUM Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, lorem veluta modemu sit meta lore quality management Dolor sit met, science lorem sector minus LEARN MORE > ###### [Bizzmine QHSE](https://old2.bizzmine.com/solutions/digital-qms?hsLang=en) QHSE software for mid-market to enterprise, strong in regulated industries like pharma, logistics, chemicals, food... [ ###### CAPA Management Continuously improve the efficiency of your QMS ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/solutions/capa-management?hsLang=en) [ ###### Document Control Easy version control and document distribution ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/solutions/document-control?hsLang=en) [ ###### Complaints Control customer and supplier complaints ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/solutions/complaint-management?hsLang=en) [ ###### Training Management Control all training and competency data ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/solutions/training-management?hsLang=en) [ ###### Audit Management Organise and track internal and external audits ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/solutions/audit-management?hsLang=en) [ ###### Risk Management Inventory and assess the risks in your organisation ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/solutions/risk-management-software?hsLang=en) [ ###### Accidents & Incidents Track, report, and analyze workplace incidents ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/solutions/accidents-and-incidents?hsLang=en) [ ###### Work Permits Streamline and control work permit processes ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/solutions/work-permits?hsLang=en) [ ###### Hazardous Substances Manage chemical SDS and compliance ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/solutions/sds-management-software?hsLang=en) [ ###### Inspections Centralise all safety and environmental inspections ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/solutions/inspections?hsLang=en) [ ###### Meeting Management Record and manage your meetings with ease ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/solutions/meeting-management?hsLang=en) [ ###### ISO Compliance Structured governance and continuous compliance ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/iso-compliance-software-governance-architecture?hsLang=en) [ See all solutions > ](https://www.bizzmine.com/solutions/digital-qms?hsLang=en#solutions) ###### [Bizzmine VARIO](https://old2.bizzmine.com/solutions/digital-ehs?hsLang=en) HSE Management software for Belgian construction SMEs and public sector [ ###### HSE Solutions Increase the efficiency of your daily HSE management ](https://www.bizzmine.com/solutions/digital-ehs?hsLang=en#solutionsHSE) [ ###### VCA Certification Ensure compliance with safety and health standards ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/certification/vca?hsLang=en) [ See all solutions > ](https://www.bizzmine.com/solutions/digital-ehs?hsLang=en#solutions) ###### [Bizzmine Inception](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/solutions/inception?hsLang=en) QMS software for SMEs in Care & Cure and AEO [ ###### Learning Management Capture KPIs, monitor them & keep improving ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/solutions/inception?hsLang=en) [ ###### Complaints & Reports Define learning content, test knowledge & keep overview ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/solutions/inception?hsLang=en) [ ###### Audits & Inspections Manage versions & create workflows, from any device ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/solutions/inception?hsLang=en) [ See all solutions > ](https://www.bizzmine.com/en/solutions/inception?hsLang=en#solutions) ###### Webinar recording: Benefits of an integrated QHSE Management System   Discover the advantages where we'll explore how a unified approach can transform your operations.   [ Watch now ](https://resources.bizzmine.com/hse-management-in-bizzmine-qhse?hsLang=en) ![two-happy-businessman-working-laptop (3) (1)](https://old2.bizzmine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/two-happy-businessman-working-laptop%20(3)%20(1).webp?width=2000&name=two-happy-businessman-working-laptop%20(3)%20(1).webp) ###### [INDUSTRIES](https://www.bizzmine.com/en/industry/all-industries?hsLang=en) [ ###### Logistics (GDP) Improve your company’s operational  performance ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/industry/qms-gdp-logistics?hsLang=en) [ ###### Pharma (GmP) Organise linked quality processes, according to cGMP requirements ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/industry/qms-pharma?hsLang=en) [ ###### Oil and Gas Streamline quality and safety standards ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/industry/oil-and-gas?hsLang=en) [ ###### Medical Devices Improve efficiency, compliance and overall product quality ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/industry/qms-medical-devices?hsLang=en) [ ###### Food & Beverages Manage quality processes according to FDA, IFS, BRC regulations and ISO 22000  ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/industry/qhse-food-and-beverages?hsLang=en) [ ###### Chemicals Streamline safety and quality management with QHSE software ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/industry/chemicals?hsLang=en) [ ###### Construction Make safety management efficient with integrated QHSE software ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/industry/construction?hsLang=en) [ ###### Laboratories Improve the quality and safety of your laboratory with eQMS ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/industry/qms-laboratories?hsLang=en) [ ###### Care & Cure Improve quality and compliance in healthcare environments ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/industry/care-cure?hsLang=en) [ See all industries > ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/industry/all-industries?hsLang=en) ###### [CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/customer-experiences?hsLang=en) [ ###### Beaulieu Bizzmine, the QHSE backbone of Beaulieu ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/customer-experiences/bizzmine-the-qhse-backbone-of-beaulieu?hsLang=en) [ ###### H.Essers Bizzmine eQMS, a very intuitive tool for H.Essers ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/blog/how-bizzmine-plays-a-crucial-role-in-internal-expension-of-h.essers?hsLang=en) [ ###### CARBOGEN AMCIS Compliance with cGMP is easy with Bizzmine at CARBOGEN AMCIS ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/customer-experiences/compliance-with-cgmp-is-easy-with-bizzmine-at-carbogen-amcis?hsLang=en) [ Read all customer stories > ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/customer-experiences?hsLang=en) ###### Customer highlight: TotalEnergies   See how TotalEnergies Singapore transformed quality operations with Bizzmine   [ Learn more > ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/customer-experiences/total-energies?hsLang=en) ![Bizzmine QHSE Summit Asia-Customer TotalEnergies](https://old2.bizzmine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Bizzmine%20images/Events/QHSE%20Summit%20Asia%202024/Bizzmine%20QHSE%20Summit%20Asia-Customer%20TotalEnergies.jpeg?width=2000&name=Bizzmine%20QHSE%20Summit%20Asia-Customer%20TotalEnergies.jpeg) ###### [DISCOVER](https://www.bizzmine.com/en/blog?hsLang=en) [ ###### Blog Access a range of expert insights and tools ](https://www.bizzmine.com/en/blog/tag/blog?hsLang=en) [ ###### Video Watch demonstrations and customer success stories ](https://www.bizzmine.com/en/blog/tag/videos?hsLang=en) [ ###### News Stay updated on our news ](https://www.bizzmine.com/en/blog/tag/news?hsLang=en) [ ###### Ebooks Download guides to enhance your QHSE knowledge ](https://www.bizzmine.com/en/blog/tag/ebooks?hsLang=en) [ ###### Events and Webinars Learn more about our upcoming and past events ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/blog/events-and-webinars?hsLang=en) [ ###### Customer Stories Read what our customers say ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/customer-experiences?hsLang=en) [ Watch Bizzmine's guided tour > ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/guided-tour-bizzmine-qhse-platform?hsLang=en) ![Ebook cover AI in QHSE Management](https://old2.bizzmine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Scherm%C2%ADafbeelding%202025-06-11%20om%2008.14.06.png?width=2000&name=Scherm%C2%ADafbeelding%202025-06-11%20om%2008.14.06.png) ###### Get the AI Ebook See how AI accelerates your QHSE workflows and boosts decision-making: **minimise errors, maximise efficiency**.    [ Download here > ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/blog/ebook-ai-integration-in-qhse?hsLang=en) ###### [ABOUT US](https://www.bizzmine.com/en/about-us/who-we-are?hsLang=en) [ ###### Who we are Discover our mission, vision, and values ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/about-us/who-we-are?hsLang=en) [ ###### Work at Bizzmine Join our team and grow your career with us ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/about-us/careers?hsLang=en) [ ###### Contact us How can we help you? ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/contact-bizzmine?hsLang=en) ###### 🎉 Come celebrate 30 years of Bizzmine with us! Join the community, celebrate 30 Years of Bizzmine with our special magazine.    [ Get the magazine > ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/bizzmine-30-years-celebration?hsLang=en) # 7 Reasons employees often pushback against change [Blog](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/blog/tag/blog) In the business world, **resistance** has all kinds of connotations associated and there are reasons why people suddenly get quiet when presented, in particular, with change. If you think about the word resistance, it tends to invoke negativity right from the beginning. The word itself suggests confrontation or the idea that a battle may be looming. So what can we expect here? Tears, anger, passive-aggressive silences? Yes, yes, and yes.  ![](https://old2.bizzmine.com/hubfs/7_Reasons_employees_often_pushback_against_change-1.jpg) Change is not made without inconvenience. It is as inevitable as taxes and death, so business needs to look at how to strategize change based on how it will affect people. There are reasons why people push back against the inevitable. These are 7 common areas and behaviors to look for. ## 1. The great unknown At one time you may have been subjected to insecurity in the workplace yourself. Very few heads of companies have got to where they are without being exposed to many things, and uncertainty is one. It’s a big killer of motivation, productivity, and, in its extreme form, self-worth. Our jobs define us, like it or not, and if we feel as though this reason for being can be taken away, we may act like a lioness defending her cubs. ## 2. I don't like surprises I cannot stress too much how important it is to plant the seeds of change early. The reduced stress this will instill in your employees by drip-feeding plans for an exciting new future is like a gift. Whether they realize it or not. One hundred percent of the time your intent is not to create a negative workplace, so the key is to strategically manage change. If not, you may just drown in good intentions. ## 3. Everything has changed Change brings out insecurities and destabilizing feelings in people like you wouldn’t believe. We are, after all, creatures of habit. In their role, employees are comfortable and they know what to expect on a daily basis. If only life was like that for the rest of our days. ## 4. Added responsibility The fear of having more work is almost tangible in an environment of change. If employees feel they are struggling as it is, the fear, whether real or imagined, can tip people over the edge. ## 5. The mushroom syndrome Kept in the dark and fed on bull dung (I kept it clean) is the catch cry of employees who feel they do not belong or have little input or control over anything that’s happening to them. Common phrases used will be “No one told me”. “This affects me, why wasn’t I told?” Sound familiar? Employees will push back on any change as a punishment for feeling negated. ## 6. Imminent threat Loss of livelihood is at the root of many fears. The ability to provide for one’s family, pay the mortgage, and put food on the table is a very real, and justified fear. Cutbacks and layoffs are expected when there is a change in the air. Whether implied or not, it is sometimes a human trait that we expect the worse. ## 7. Predisposition Frankly, some employees will take change like ducks to water, almost inviting it. However, some will need to be guided every step of the way, and beat if necessary. Just kidding. Seriously, we are all different but we all have one thing in common. We all have a currency. Find out what makes your employees tick, especially those who struggle with altering their own personal status quo. So now you know what you’re up against, how do you go about building trust? Employees are the eyes and ears of the workplace. They know what’s going on and they feel the positivity and also the negativity in their environment. If you fail to recognize this one thing you run the risk of alienating and creating a disconnect that is genuinely hard to get back. ## Consistency is Everything Are you approachable one day and a raging incoherent monster the next? Then, congratulations, you have succeeded in building fear and resentment in your employees. Even if you don’t mean to be the cause of insecurity in times of change, your behaviors can lead to your worst nightmares. This does nothing for your reputation as an employer of choice, or providing simply a stable, positive place to work. Who needs enemies when you’ve got yourself? The moral of this short lecture? Self-monitor. ## Keeping promises From interns to other senior management, saying what you mean and meaning what you say should be intrinsic in any employer’s makeup. If you take nothing else from this, let it be one point. ## Own it Everyone has bad ideas that don’t go as planned. That’s life and certainly true of today’s business world. If this is the case, own up. Employees need to see that you’re human too. Taking risks, trying new things, and making mistakes are how people become great. Own yours. Have plans in place for safety and any other issues, and speak of them. Change can be a very personal thing and something that management and business decision-makers really need to understand. I mean really understand. Looking to avoid resistance? Then look to who and what may cause your biggest battles. They might just be you. ## Discover how BizzMine helps you to simplify your QMS [ Get a demo ](https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/get-a-demo?hsLang=en) ** ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Bizzmine", "url" : "https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/blog/author/bizzmine" }, "dateModified" : "2023-06-27T07:46:13.620Z", "datePublished" : "2021-12-09T12:18:00.000Z", "headline" : "7 Reasons employees often pushback against change", "image" : [ "https://old2.bizzmine.com/hubfs/7_Reasons_employees_often_pushback_against_change-1.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://old2.bizzmine.com/en/blog/7-reasons-employees-often-pushback-against-change", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://old2.bizzmine.com/hubfs/Bizzmine%20%EF%BF%BD%20Visual%20Identity%20Final-01.svg" }, "name" : "Bizzmine" } } ```