October 22, 2024 How Giltner Logistics Mastered Change Management

By implementing Bloomfire’s knowledge management system, Giltner Logistics reduced onboarding time to one-third of what it used to be.

Giltner Logistics is an asset-backed third-party logistics brokerage. The company excels in connecting world-class customers with the perfect carriers for their freight, prioritizing decisions that positively impact employees, customers, partners, carriers, and communities.

Challenges Faced

Giltner Logistics encountered significant obstacles in managing organizational change. Employees displayed both active and passive resistance, primarily driven by fear and uncertainty. This resistance was exacerbated by inconsistent communication from leadership, leading to confusion and a lack of follow-through. The challenges extended to difficulties in accessing updated information in a timely manner, which was crucial for employees working under tight deadlines. Additionally, integrating AI and knowledge management systems while maintaining the human element in operations posed a significant challenge.

Solutions

To address these challenges, Giltner Logistics implemented several key strategies:

• Enhanced Communication: Prioritized frequent and transparent communication, ensuring messages were consistent across the organization to build trust and reduce resistance.
• Employee Feedback: Utilized mechanisms like anonymous surveys and focus groups to address concerns and foster an inclusive environment.
• Training and Resources: Comprehensive training, including e-learning courses and virtual training sessions, was provided, and resources were readily accessible through Bloomfire.
• Peer Support: Task forces and workshops were formed, comprising small groups of employees who acted as peer mentors.
• Ongoing Support: Follow-ups were conducted at 30, 60, and 90-day intervals to gauge employee satisfaction and make necessary adjustments.

The Results

The strategic initiatives led to several positive outcomes:

• Adaptability and Engagement: There was a marked improvement in the company’s ability to adapt to new strategies and technologies, with a significant increase in employee engagement.
• Efficient Onboarding: The onboarding time for new hires was reduced to one-third of its previous duration, improving both efficiency and training quality.
• Effective Communication: More precise and consistent messaging throughout the organization reduced confusion and resistance.
• Successful Change Implementation: Comprehensive training ensured the workforce was well-prepared, leading to fewer issues arising from resistance.

Jessica McLaughlin, Training Manager at Giltner Logistics said: “From a learning and development perspective, our Knowledge Management System is our most critical tool.”

“We’ve reduced our onboarding time to one-third of what it used to be without compromising the quality of the training experience,” she added.

Conclusion

Giltner Logistics successfully navigated the complexities of change management by focusing on transparent communication, positive messaging, and comprehensive training. Implementing Bloomfire’s knowledge management system was pivotal in streamlining access to resources and ensuring consistent information flow. As a result, Giltner Logistics continues to thrive, demonstrating effective change management practices that can serve as a model for other organizations in the logistics industry.

bloomfire.com

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