What happens during the refreezing stage of the change process?

During the refreezing stage of the change process, new behaviors become recognized as the status quo. This is a critical step where the changes made during the previous phases of the change process are solidified within the organization. Essentially, it is about stabilizing the new norms and practices, ensuring that the workforce embraces and adopts these changes as part of their daily routines.

In this phase, the organization reinforces the new behaviors and practices through policies, rewards, and feedback mechanisms, establishing them as the accepted way of working. This stability is crucial for ensuring that the changes are not just temporary or superficial and helps in preventing regression to old habits. By making the new behaviors a part of the organizational culture, the refreezing stage helps sustain improvements and enhances overall organizational effectiveness.

Understanding this stage is vital for nursing executives as they lead organizational change efforts, ensuring they create a culture that supports continuous improvement and innovation.