Your colleague is overwhelmed by a new process. How can you ease their workload?

Change is always difficult in the beginning. We can help people overcome this, by understanding their pain/problems and working with them to overcome them. It is also important to explain the benefits/advantages of the new process and highlight how it would help simplify the work in the long term. Once they understand the benefits of the change, they will be more willing to go through the initial hiccups. Obviously this needs a person with patience, who listens and guides them through the change.

To ease your colleague’s workload when they’re overwhelmed by a new process, start by offering your support and understanding. Break down the process into smaller, manageable steps and help them prioritize tasks. Share any tips or shortcuts you know that could make the process easier. If possible, redistribute some of their tasks among the team to lighten their load temporarily. Encourage them to ask questions and provide clear, concise explanations. Regular check-ins can also help monitor their progress and address any ongoing challenges. By being supportive and proactive, you can help your colleague navigate the new process more smoothly.

The first thing I do when an employee is having trouble with a new process is to offer a sincere and understanding listen. I can help them specifically since I know the challenges that they face. Their learning path might be made simpler by sharing their own experiences and guidance. It can often be easier to begin a task if it is broken down into smaller, simpler jobs, similar to how accessible hills can be made out of a mountain. Empowering them to talk to management about problems can result in more help and within acceptable periods. Being a proactive, encouraging ally greatly reduces the adjustment time and increases their sense of security.

When a colleague is overwhelmed by a new process, my first step is to offer a sincere and understanding ear. I know firsthand the challenges they face, so I can provide tailored guidance and support, drawing from my own experiences. I believe in breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, making the process less intimidating and more achievable. This zones in their focus to one bit at a time. I've also noticed that sharing the strategies i use helps them understand that its not theory and they can use the same strategy to achieve similar results.

To ease a colleague’s workload when they’re overwhelmed by a new process, structured guidance is essential. In one project, a team member struggled to adapt to a new project management tool, delaying progress. I assisted by breaking the process into smaller, digestible steps, focusing on immediate tasks instead of the entire system at once. I also offered additional training through short sessions that fit their schedule, helping them gradually gain confidence. This incremental approach minimized stress and improved efficiency. "Atomic Habits" by James Clear is a great resource that explains how small adjustments can lead to mastery in complex processes.