Change is an inevitable force that shapes the trajectory of every organization. It is the only constant in today's fast-paced and dynamic business landscape. Whether adapting to market shifts, staying ahead of the curve and adapting to ever-evolving challenges, or implementing new technologies, managing and navigating change is critical to an organization's success. 

In this blog post, we delve into the world of change management extensions – powerful tools and Chrome extensions designed to boost organizational adaptability and facilitate smooth transitions during times of change. We'll explore these extensions' key features and benefits and highlight how they can revolutionize how businesses approach change.

TL;DR: Change management extensions

1. Scribe
2. Trello
3. ‎‎Monday.com
4. Asana
5. Notion
6. Microsoft To-do
7. Google Workspace

What is change management?

Change management is a structured approach and set of practices that organizations use to prepare, support, and guide individuals and teams through significant changes in their business processes, strategies, structures, or technologies.

The goal of the change management process is to minimize resistance to change, mitigate potential disruptions, and maximize the positive outcomes of the transformation. It involves understanding the impact of the change on individuals and the organization, creating a change management plan to facilitate the transition, and providing the necessary support and resources to help employees adapt to the new ways of working.

What is a change management extension?

Change management extensions are additional tools, technologies, or solutions that complement and enhance traditional change management practices. These extensions are designed to augment the abilities of existing change management models — making them an effective component of your change management toolkit.

Change management extensions can take various forms, including software applications, add-ons, plugins, or integrations that integrate with existing change management platforms or tools. They are typically developed to address specific challenges or to introduce new functionalities that traditional change management processes may lack.

📌 ‎Related resource: The 9 Hidden Barriers of Change & How to Uncover Them: A Comprehensive Guide

These extensions can adapt to different industries and businesses' unique needs — providing a tailored approach to managing different types of organizational changes effectively.

Examples of change management extensions include:

• Change management software: Advanced features and automation for streamlining change management processes.
• Collaboration tools facilitate communication, engagement, and knowledge sharing during change processes.
• Project management tools integrate with change management activities for effective project planning and execution.
• Training and learning platforms provide targeted resources for employee training and development during change.
• Automated workflows streamline approval processes and automate change request handling for faster implementation.
• Data analytics and reporting offer insights into change progress, employee feedback, and other metrics for data-driven decision-making.
• Digital adoption platforms guide users through new processes and systems to ease the transition and reduce the learning curve.
• Change impact simulation tools simulate potential change scenarios for informed decision-making before implementation.
• Gamification platforms use gamification techniques to increase employee engagement and motivation during change.
• Integrations with IT and HR systems align change management with existing IT service management and HR strategies.

7 best Chrome & Edge extensions that support change management

Change management typically involves organizational practices, tools, and methodologies to manage and guide people through significant changes.

While no specific Chrome or Edge extensions are uniquely designed for change management, various project management, task management, and collaboration extensions are available for Chrome and Edge browsers that can support change management initiatives.

Here are our favorites:

1. Scribe

‎G2 rating: 5.0/5

Capterra rating: 4.9/5

Overview:

If you’re an HR professional or manager looking to evaluate Chrome and Edge extensions specifically to support change management, Scribe is your best bet! Using Scribe can automate the creation of step-by-step guides, process documentation and SOPs, ensuring they are accurate, consistent, and compliant with relevant policies and regulations.

‎Here's how Scribe can serve as a change management extension:

• Efficient communication: During change initiatives, HR needs to communicate various updates, change management SOPs, and HR policies and procedures to employees. Scribe helps HR teams quickly draft and distribute documents such as how-to guides, policy updates, and FAQs, ensuring that employees receive timely and consistent information.
• Standardization and compliance: Since change management often involves implementing new HR policies and procedures, Scribe ensures that these policies are documented consistently, following organizational guidelines and legal requirements. Overall, this promotes transparency and ensures that all employees are aware of the changes and the expected behavior.
• Personalization and localization: During change management, HR teams may need to personalize onboarding materials based on individual employee details — which Scribe offers. Scribe can be adapted to meet specific regional or legal requirements, ensuring that documents are relevant and compliant across different locations.
• AI-powered documentation: With Scribe Pages, you can ask the AI to write your documentation, combine multiple Scribes, and add images, videos, GIFs and more to create comprehensive documents.

• Onboarding and offboarding: Scribe can automate the creation of onboarding and offboarding documents if organizational changes involve new hires or workforce reductions. This streamlines the process, reduces administrative burden, and ensures that employees receive the necessary information during critical transitions.
• Data security and privacy: Scribe offers data security and privacy measures to protect sensitive employee information — not only because compliance with data protection regulations is essential during change initiatives that involve personnel data, but to also ensure data privacy and integrity.
• Employee self-service: Since Scribe automates HR documentation, employees can access relevant documents, update their personal information, and complete necessary forms independently. This empowers employees to manage HR-related tasks efficiently, reducing the HR department's workload.
• Centralized document repository: Scribe is a centralized storage for HR-related documents. It serves as a single repository for all HR materials — making it easier for HR personnel and employees to access the information they need during the change process.

Pro Tip: Check out our HR Document Generator to get started for free!

{{banner-short-v2="/banner-ads"}}

2. Trello

G2 rating: 4.4/5

Capterra rating: 4.5/5

Overview:

Trello can be effectively utilized as a change management extension to support and facilitate change management processes within an organization. While Trello is not a dedicated change management tool, its flexible and visual nature makes it a valuable platform for managing tasks, communication, and collaboration during change initiatives.

Here's how Trello can serve as a change management extension:

• Task and project management: Trello's boards, lists, and cards can be adapted to represent various stages of the change management process. Each card can represent a specific task or action item related to the change initiative. Teams can organize cards into lists to indicate the status of tasks, such as "To Do," "In Progress," and "Completed."
• Change request tracking: Trello boards can be used to track change requests, capturing details such as the nature of the change, its impact, priority, and assigned team members responsible for its implementation.
• Collaboration and communication: Team members can collaborate in real-time by commenting on cards, sharing updates, and discussing progress. This fosters better communication and keeps everyone informed throughout the change process.
• Document management: Trello cards can be used to store important documents, such as change management plans, impact assessments, and communication templates. Attachments and links to relevant files can be added directly to the cards.
• Visual representation: Trello's intuitive drag-and-drop interface provides a visual representation of tasks and progress. Teams can quickly see the status of various tasks, identify bottlenecks, and prioritize work accordingly.
• Integration with other tools: Trello integrates with various third-party applications, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Slack, allowing teams to centralize information and streamline collaboration with other tools that may be used for change management.
• Customizable workflows: Trello boards can be customized to match specific change management processes, ensuring the tool aligns with the organization's unique change management approach.

💡 ‎Check out our guide on the 15+ Best Document Management Software

3. Monday.com

G2 rating: 4.7/5

Capterra rating: 4.6/5

Overview:

Monday is a popular project management and team collaboration platform. While it is primarily known for managing tasks, projects, and workflows, its versatile nature makes it suitable for handling various aspects of the change management process. Here's how Monday can serve as a change management extension:

• Centralized collaboration: Monday.com provides a centralized platform where teams can collaborate and communicate effectively. During the change management process, cross-functional teams can share updates, documents, and discussions in one place.
• Task management and workflow automation: Change management often involves a series of tasks and processes that need to be executed in a coordinated manner. Monday.com's task management features and workflow automation allow you to create, assign, and track tasks, ensuring that the change process follows a structured and organized approach.
• Transparency and visibility: Since change management requires transparency and visibility into the progress of various initiatives, Monday.com offers customizable dashboards and real-time tracking — thereby enabling stakeholders to see the status of projects, identify potential roadblocks, and make data-driven decisions.
• Change request and approval workflows: Monday.com can be configured to create change request forms and approval workflows. This ensures that any proposed changes go through the appropriate review and approval processes before implementation, maintaining control over the change process.
• Data analysis and reporting: The platform provides analytics and reporting features that help in analyzing the effectiveness of change initiatives. You can gather insights into key performance indicators (KPIs) and make data-driven decisions to optimize the change management strategy.
• Customizability and integration: It is highly customizable and can be adapted to suit the specific needs of your organization's change management processes. Monday.com also offers integrations with various other tools and platforms, allowing you to connect with existing systems and streamline workflows further.

4. Asana

G2 rating: 4.3/5

Capterra rating: 4.5/5

Overview:

Asana can be used for change management due to its versatile features and functionalities that support effective project management, collaboration, and communication. And while it may not be specifically designed as a change management tool, its flexibility allows it to be adapted to suit the needs of change initiatives. Here's how Asana can serve as a change management extension:

• Task and project management: Asana's core strength lies in its ability to manage tasks and projects. During change management, there are often various tasks that need to be completed and projects that need to be executed. Asana allows teams to create tasks, set due dates, assign responsibilities, and track progress, ensuring that change initiatives move forward smoothly.
• Collaboration and communication: Change management involves collaboration among different teams and stakeholders, which is why Asana provides a platform for teams to communicate, share updates, and discuss changes within the context of tasks and projects. It fosters transparent communication and keeps everyone informed about the latest developments.
• Templates for change processes: It offers customizable templates that can be used to set up workflows for change management processes. These templates may include steps for change request submissions, impact assessments, change implementation plans, and post-implementation reviews.
• Document management: Teams can attach files and documents to tasks and projects, store relevant documents, change documentation, and other resources directly within the context of the change-related tasks.
• Dependencies and timeline management: Asana's timeline and dependency features help visualize the critical path of change projects, making it easier to identify potential bottlenecks and manage dependencies.
• Approval workflows: Asana can be configured to create approval workflows for proposed changes. Teams can request approval for change initiatives, and designated approvers can review and provide feedback directly within Asana.
• Status updates and reporting: Users can get a clear overview of the progress of tasks and projects through various views like boards, lists, and timelines. This makes it easy for stakeholders to monitor the status of change initiatives and track key milestones.
• Integration with other tools: Asana offers integrations with various third-party applications, which can be beneficial for connecting with other tools used in the change management process, such as communication platforms, document repositories, reporting tools, etc.

5. Notion

G2 rating: 4.7/5

Capterra rating: 4.7/5

Overview:

Notion is a powerful all-in-one workspace tool that can be effectively used as a change management tool. Its flexible and customizable nature allows teams to create and organize content, collaborate, and manage projects — helping users to adapt it to suit the needs of various processes, including change management. Here's how Notion can serve as a change management extension:

• Documentation and knowledge management: Since change management involves documenting various aspects of the change, including the rationale, objectives, implementation plans, and outcomes — Notion's structured databases and page templates make it easy to create and organize documentation related to change initiatives. Teams can store all relevant information in one place, facilitating easy access and knowledge sharing.
• Task and project management: Notion enables teams to create task lists, set due dates, assign responsibilities, and track progress. This functionality is valuable for managing the tasks and projects associated with change management, ensuring that each step of the change process is properly executed.
• Collaboration and communication: Notion allows real-time collaboration, enabling teams to work together on change-related documents, share updates, and discuss ideas within the tool. This fosters transparent communication and ensures that all stakeholders are on the same page throughout the change journey.
• Customizable workflows: Notion's flexible layout and database functionalities allow users to design custom workflows tailored to their specific change management processes. Teams can create boards, tables, and databases that align with their unique change management requirements.
• Data visualization and reporting: The tool enables teams to create visualizations, charts, and tables based on the data collected during the change management process. This feature can be used to track progress, analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), and generate reports for stakeholders.
• Templates library: Notion offers a range of pre-built templates designed for various use cases, including project management and process documentation. Users can leverage these templates to kickstart their change management processes and adapt them to their specific needs.
• Workflow automation: While it may not offer extensive automation like dedicated project management tools, Notion allows for some degree of workflow automation (through third-party integrations) by enabling users to streamline certain repetitive tasks.

🎓 ‎Learn more about how to use Notion for project management.

6. Microsoft To-Do

G2 rating: 4.4/5

Capterra rating: 4.6/5

Overview:

Microsoft To-Do is a task management application designed to help users organize and manage their daily tasks and to-do lists. While it may not have been designed initially explicitly as a change management tool, there are ways in which Microsoft To-Do or similar task management tools can be utilized to support change management processes within an organization. Here's how Microsoft To-Do can serve as a change management extension:

• Task assignment and tracking: Microsoft To-Do can be used to assign tasks to individuals or teams responsible for their change management project completion. As tasks are completed, progress can be tracked, and updates can be communicated through the app.
• Timeline and priority management: Since change management initiatives typically have specific timelines and priorities, Microsoft To-Do allows users to set due dates and prioritize tasks, ensuring that change management activity is completed on time and in order of importance.
• Checklists for change implementation: Microsoft To-Do's checklist feature can be used to create step-by-step guides for implementing change. These checklists help ensure that all necessary actions are taken during the change process and can be adjusted or refined based on feedback and experience.
• Documenting and archiving: This tool can serve as a simple platform to document these details for reference in the future.
• Integration with other Microsoft 365 tools: Microsoft To-Do can integrate with other tools in the Microsoft 365 suite, such as Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Outlook. This integration can enhance change management efforts by linking tasks, discussions, and documents together within a centralized platform.

7. Google Workspace

G2 rating: 4.6/5

Capterra rating: 4.7/5

Overview:

Formerly known as G-Suite, Google Workspace is a suite of cloud-based productivity tools provided by Google, including Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides.

While Google Workspace is primarily known for its collaboration and communication capabilities, it can also be utilized as a change management tool due to several features that support effective change management processes. Here's how Google Workspace can serve as a change management extension:

• Communication and collaboration: Google Workspace provides various communication tools like Gmail, Google Chat, and Google Meet, which facilitate real-time communication, video conferencing, and instant messaging. It allows change managers to communicate updates, share progress, and discuss any concerns related to the change with the relevant stakeholders.
• Document management: Google Drive is a powerful tool for document management and version control. Change managers can use it to store all relevant documents related to the change initiative, ensuring that team members have access to the latest information and resources. It also enables collaborative editing and commenting, making it easier to gather feedback and track changes.
• Project management: Google Workspace can be used in conjunction with project management tools like Google Sheets or Google Tasks to create and track project plans, milestones, and deadlines. This enables change managers to stay organized, monitor progress, and adjust the change implementation as needed.
• Survey and feedback: Google Forms can be employed to create surveys and gather feedback from employees or stakeholders about the change process. The data collected through these surveys can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the change initiative and identify areas that may require further attention.
• Training and learning: Google Workspace tools can be utilized to create and share training materials, videos, and presentations. Change managers can develop online training sessions using Google Slides and share them via Google Meet or Google Classroom to educate employees about the upcoming changes.
• Data analytics: Google Workspace offers data analytics capabilities through tools like Google Sheets. Change managers can use these features to analyze data related to the change process, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions to improve the change implementation.
• Change documentation: Google Workspace allows change managers to create shared documentation, including change plans, change logs, and progress reports. This centralizes information, promotes transparency, and ensures everyone involved has access to the latest updates.
• Mobile accessibility: Google Workspace apps are available on various devices, including smartphones and tablets, ensuring that team members can access information and participate in the change management process even when they are on the go.

🎓 ‎Related resource: Google Sheets Tutorial: Everything You Need to Know

Change management software solutions

However, if you’re looking for change management software solutions that aren’t Chrome or Edge extensions, you might want to consider the following:

1. Prosci: Prosci is a renowned provider of change management solutions and training. Their change management software is designed to help organizations manage change initiatives effectively, including assessing change impact, tracking progress, and analyzing change data.

2. ChangeScout: ChangeScout is a comprehensive change management platform that offers tools for change impact analysis, stakeholder engagement, communications planning, and monitoring the success of change initiatives.

3. Jira Service Management:  Formerly known as Jira Service Desk, Jira Service Management is a popular IT Service Management (ITSM) platform provided by Atlassian.

It's designed to help IT teams and organizations manage their service requests, incidents, and changes efficiently. JSM supports the process of evaluating and approving changes through a Change Advisory Board (CAB) and provides a centralized view of change progress.

4. ServiceNow Change Management: ServiceNow is an IT Service Management (ITSM) platform that includes a Change Management module to automate and manage the change process, including approvals and impact analysis.

5. BMC Helix ITSM: This is a comprehensive ITSM platform that offers incident, problem, and change management, as well as service level management, asset management, and other ITIL-aligned features.

6. Cherwell ITSM: Cherwell ITSM is an ITIL-based (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) service management platform that provides incident, problem, and change management, along with a service catalog, knowledge base, and automation capabilities.

7. ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus: ServiceDesk Plus is an ITSM tool that includes incident, problem, change, and asset management, as well as service level agreement (SLA) management.

💡 Looking for a solution that won't break your budget? Check out our list of the best free change management software!

Benefits of change management

Change management is a strategic investment that yields numerous benefits. Focusing on the human aspect of change empowers organizations to navigate complex transformations successfully.

According to Prosci’s Best Practices in Change Management benchmarking studies, 93 percent of participants with excellent change management met or exceeded objectives, while only 15 percent of those with poor change management met or exceeded objectives.

Here are some of the key reasons why change management is vital to organizational growth and success:

• Minimizes resistance.
• Facilitates smooth transitions.
• Maximizes benefits.
• Enhances employee engagement.
• Reduces downtime and productivity loss.
• Builds a positive culture.
• Aligns stakeholders.
• Mitigates risks.
• Boosts confidence and trust.
• Adaption to evolving environments.

Change management extensions empower organizations to navigate complex transformations successfully and build a resilient and agile workforce. Looking to empower your businesses to navigate change with confidence, efficiency, and positive outcomes? Get Scribe for free now!