Schiphol Achieves Integration Success With Prosci

Challenge

In 2022, two of Schiphol’s business units, IT Project Delivery and Schiphol Projects, underwent a robust integration process. This integration followed a major reorganisation at the airport that had been carried out in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The reorganisation—among other changes—had resulted in redundancies in more than a quarter of the airport’s full-time positions. This represented an unprecedented reduction in the organisation’s staffing levels.

Contrary to popular opinion, the merger of the two departments in question wasn’t the result of an austerity measure. Instead, it was an effort to bring together two teams that could benefit from working with each other to achieve greater efficiency and synergy. To ensure a smooth transition and to overcome the false perceptions employees held, Schiphol engaged Prosci to lead the people side of change within the organisation.

Solution

Facilitate team building and idea-sharing through coworking sessions to align goals and foster enthusiasm
Implement the ADKAR® Model and Prosci Change Triangle (PCT) Model for structured change processes
Ensure active and visible sponsorship to drive and demonstrate support
Choose relevant tools based on the needs of the project

Coworking and Collaboration

To begin to break down silos and create cohesion, the two teams were brought together to get to know each other and to brainstorm about what they wanted to achieve together. This created enthusiasm for the possibilities of the future.

Culture and Change Team

An inhouse Culture and Change Agent acted as an internal resource to provide support, tools, and resources rooted in the Prosci Methodology. With a strong focus on the people side of change, this was a valuable and strategic resource to be able to call upon.

Insights From ADKAR

Due to unforeseen project delays, scores for Desire (to participate and support the change) scores began to wane over the course of the transition. By doing frequent monitoring, this shift was noted, and the organisation was able to act quickly to mitigate and get back on track.

Results

Better Tools

Prior to Prosci training, leaders had relied on common sense to carry out change initiatives. While this can be a valuable tool, having access to Prosci’s applied research and proven methodology has been transformational for individuals within the organisation to create meaningful and lasting change.