Best practices to navigate field-level change resistance in oil and gas production: How to avoid poor change management

Best practices to navigate field-level change resistance in oil and gas production: How to avoid poor change management®

Change is an inevitable part of any industry, and the oil and gas production sector is no exception. New processes and technologies constantly emerge, promising increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved safety. However, the resistance to change that often arises within organizations can hinder progress and is directly caused by poor change management.

To navigate field-level change resistance effectively, it is crucial for oil and gas producers to embrace best practices and adopt a proactive approach to change leadership. One excellent example of a solution that facilitates successful change management is EZ Ops field operations software. By examining how this software enables smooth transitions and the adoption of new technologies, we can gain valuable insights into effective change management strategies.

Clearly communicate the need for change

One of the most common reasons for resistance to change is a lack of understanding or awareness regarding the need for it. To overcome this, it is essential to clearly communicate the reasons behind the proposed changes. Highlight the benefits that the organization and its employees will gain from the new processes or technologies. By emphasizing the positive impact on efficiency, safety, and overall business outcomes, you can garner support and reduce resistance.

EZ Ops field operations software offers a comprehensive platform that allows real-time data access, streamlined communication, and enhanced decision-making. By demonstrating the benefits of the software in terms of improved productivity, reduced downtime, and better resource allocation, you can effectively communicate the need for change to your field teams. Most importantly, you can highlight how the changes will make employees’ lives easier, even if it means some short-term pain.

Involve stakeholders in the change process

To minimize resistance and increase buy-in, involve stakeholders from the outset. Engage employees, supervisors, and managers in the decision-making process and seek their input and feedback. By involving those who will be directly affected by the changes, you can address concerns, identify potential obstacles, and gain valuable insights that can inform the change management strategy.

EZ Ops provides a user-friendly interface that can be customized to fit the unique needs of your organization. By involving stakeholders in the software selection and implementation process, you can ensure that the solution aligns with their requirements and preferences. This involvement fosters a sense of ownership and encourages active participation in the change process.

Provide comprehensive training and support

Resistance to change often stems from a fear of the unknown or a lack of confidence in adopting new processes or technologies. To alleviate these concerns, it is crucial to provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to your field teams. Equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively utilize the new software or technologies. Offer training sessions, workshops, and documentation to ensure a smooth transition.


EZ Ops currently offers extensive virtual and field training and support resources to facilitate user adoption with 100%  of adoption in the field. User-friendly interfaces, intuitive workflows, and accessible documentation get field teams to quickly grasp its functionalities and integrate it into their daily operations. By providing comprehensive training and support, you empower your employees to embrace change and maximize the benefits of the new processes or technologies. Read more about EZ Ops adoption here.

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Monitor progress and address challenges

Change is an iterative process, and it is essential to monitor progress and address any challenges that arise along the way. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of the changes and track the outcomes. Regularly review the progress and address any issues or concerns promptly. Solicit feedback from your field teams to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to the change management strategy.

EZ Ops also offers robust analytics and reporting capabilities, allowing you to monitor key metrics and track the impact of the changes implemented. By leveraging these insights, you can proactively address challenges, optimize processes, and continuously improve the change management efforts.

Embracing Proactive Change Management for Successful Transformation

Navigating resistance to change in the oil and gas production industry requires a proactive approach to change management. By embracing best practices and effective change leadership, organizations can overcome field-level resistance, increase adoption of new processes and technologies, and achieve successful change management.

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Learn more in this white paper about how EZ Ops can help with change management and keep production operations running smoothly.

The need for operational excellence in the oil and gas industry has never been greater.  Learn why and how to best compete.