Executives often talk about “transformation” to signal the need for significant changes in their organizations. However, according to Emergn’s latest research, while employees understand the necessity for change, the way these transformations are executed leaves them deeply dissatisfied—so much so that over half have thought about quitting their jobs because of it.
Emergn’s findings are stark: half of the workforce might walk away due to constant transformations. Even more alarming, nearly 60% of employees report feeling burned out by the endless cycle of changes, with this figure even higher in the UK (68%) compared to the US (47%). Additionally, 58% of employees admit they’ve experienced “transformation face”—that look of dread and resignation when yet another transformation is announced.
Why are employees so disillusioned? The research points to disconnected leadership, poor communication, and a lack of proper training as the main culprits. Half of the employees surveyed blame leadership failures, especially when their bosses seem out of touch with the real concerns on the ground, for the breakdown of transformation efforts.
Communication failures compound the problem. A significant portion of employees—one in four—feel left in the dark about the reasons behind these transformations, leading to confusion and frustration.
Adding to the challenges, large consulting firms, which are supposed to guide these transformation efforts, are falling short. Among the 51% of survey respondents who worked with three of the biggest consultancies, a staggering 87% felt these firms either had a negative impact or were no help at all. Only 13% found them to be more helpful than a hindrance.
One reason behind this dissatisfaction is the lack of adequate training and support during transformations, with 30% of respondents highlighting this issue. The reliance on cookie-cutter solutions from big consultancies simply isn’t cutting it. Emergn CEO Alex Adamopoulos encapsulated this frustration, stating, “You have big consultancy teams pushing pre-designed transformation strategies that don’t fit the unique needs of organizations. Companies need tailored solutions that they can truly own. The rampant transformation fatigue we’re seeing shows that relying on these generic solutions is not working.”
The impact of transformation fatigue varies across industries. Government and public sector workers are particularly hard hit, with 65% considering leaving their jobs due to frequent transformations, and three-quarters reporting increased workloads as a result. In Sales and Marketing, fewer than a quarter of transformation projects are successfully completed. Sectors like Finance, Legal, and HR report minimal positive outcomes from these initiatives.
Yet, despite these challenges, 70% of employees still believe that effective transformations are crucial for staying competitive. Emergn’s research makes it clear: the problem isn’t with the idea of transformation itself, but with its execution. Employees recognize that the ability to implement and adapt to change is a strategic advantage in today’s fast-paced business environment.
As Emergn CEO Alex Adamopoulos puts it, “Organizations know that successful transformations are key to remaining competitive. But the current approach—where transformations are frequent, costly, and poorly executed—is unsustainable. It doesn’t have to be this way. Companies need to focus on quickly finding value and using tools tailored to their specific needs. Change initiatives require momentum, clear messaging, and learning programs that keep employees focused on value and outcomes. When done right, transformations can energize rather than exhaust.”
Emergn’s latest thought paper offers a roadmap for turning transformation fatigue into a competitive advantage. With the right approach, leadership, and systems—and a shift in culture—organizations can not only prevent transformation fatigue but also build lasting momentum for change, empowering them to move from “fatigue to fit.”
For a deeper dive into how to overcome transformation fatigue, read the full paper by Emergn here.