The human touch in tech transformation – employee empowerment takes center stage

FPS Justice partnered with Restless Minds™ to navigate the complexities of large-scale digital transformation.

Client: FPS Justice
Year: 2021 - On going
Role: Change marketing, internal communications, stakeholder management and project management.

Digital transformation is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity. But for large, complex organizations like FPS Justice, the path to successful change is full of challenges. FPS Justice has a history of failed transformation attempts, leaving employees skeptical and disengaged.

  • The Belgian FPS Justice struggled with previous digital transformation initiatives that prioritized technology over people. This led to employee resistance, widespread skepticism, and failed attempts to create meaningful change. Employees felt changes were forced upon them without consideration for their daily challenges and needs.

  • In collaboration with the FPS Justice leadership, we shifted the focus from a technology-focused transformation story to a human-centered change narrative. We began by crafting a shared vision that addressed both the organization's goals and the needs of employees. Through storytelling, we illustrated how these changes would directly benefit employees in their work lives. We emphasized empowerment and participation, actively involving the workforce in the process. This approach positioned technology as a tool to enable the transformation rather than the sole reason for change.

  • The general awareness in the organization that everyone’s role is key has already changed even though the road ahead is still long. Employee resistance is spotted and addressed, ensuring every change in the process is accounted for. There's a renewed sense of engagement and responsibility. The digital transformation is not the end goal, but a means to create a better organization. Building trust and collaboration with employees sets the groundwork for greater success in future digital endeavors.

Define
the change


  • Comprehensive assessment: We conducted an in-depth analysis of FPS Justice's organizational structure, previous project failures, and employee sentiments. This revealed a lack of trust in leadership and concerns about the impact of digitization on jobs.

  • Roadmap development:
    We mapped out a stakeholder-centric transformation roadmap, prioritizing the needs and concerns of employees at all levels. This ensures a change strategy is not only technically sound but also emotionally resonant.

360° Change strategy at FPS Justice
FPS Justice faced a history of failed transformation attempts, largely due to top-down approaches that lacked employee buy-in. A new, large-scale digital transformation was on the horizon, and the stakes were high.

Inspire
the change


  • Shared vision & narrative:
    We crafted a compelling vision that spoke to the "human" side of the transformation, avoiding technical jargon and focusing on how digitization would benefit employees' daily work and the service they provide to citizens.

  • Targeted communication:
    We developed tailored communication channels and messaging for different employee groups, addressing their specific concerns and highlighting the positive impact of the changes on their roles.

Change marketing for 24,000+ employees
The FPS Justice needed to shift its organizational culture and convince 24,000 employees from various entities and functions within a dispersed judicial landscape, each accustomed to different ways of working and communicating, with their own hierarchical structures and daily practical challenges, to embrace the digital transformation.

Guide
the change


  • Stakeholder management: Our stakeholder manager actively listens to employees, addressed concerns, and ensured that everyone felt heard throughout the process. This built trust and fostered a sense of ownership in the transformation. 

  • Continuous consultation:
    We worke closely with the Digital Transformation Office, business ambassadors and cabinet, offering ongoing advice on people-oriented change strategies.

  • Adapting to needs:
    We remain agile, adjusting action plans based on feedback and emerging needs, ensuring that the transformation stayed on track and continued to resonate with employees.

Leading the Change Journey
Transforming a massive organization like FPS Justice requires expert guidance and ongoing support to navigate complexities and maintain momentum.

  • From the beginning, we were on the same wavelength, and Restless Minds understood exactly what we wanted to achieve. The tone of voice was immediately right and completely aligned with that of Justice.

    David Ghyselbrecht former IT Advisor, Policy Cell at the Office of the Minister of Justice Vincent Van Quickenborne

  • The level of professionalism was exceptional. Thanks to the clear communication that was always to the point, I knew exactly what was expected of me and when. In three months, we moved mountains by working together efficiently.

    David Ghyselbrecht former IT Advisor, Policy Cell at the Office of the Minister of Justice Vincent Van Quickenborne