In any organization, established processes are the backbone of operational efficiency. They provide structure, consistency, and a framework for employees to follow in their daily tasks. However, despite the importance of these processes, employees may sometimes choose to circumvent them for various reasons. Understanding why this happens is crucial for identifying potential areas for improvement and fostering a culture of compliance. In this blog, we’ll explore five common reasons why employees may circumvent established processes.

1. Lack of Clarity or Understanding One of the primary reasons employees may bypass established processes is a lack of clarity or understanding about the processes themselves. If employees don’t fully grasp the purpose or steps involved in a particular process, they may feel inclined to take shortcuts or find alternative methods to achieve their goals. This lack of clarity can stem from inadequate training, poorly documented processes, or changes in procedures without proper communication.

To address this issue, organizations should prioritize clear and comprehensive process documentation and provide ongoing training and support to ensure that employees understand the purpose and importance of following established procedures.

2. Perceived Inefficiency Another common reason for circumventing established processes is the perception that following the prescribed steps is inefficient or time-consuming. Employees may believe that they can achieve the same outcome more quickly or easily by deviating from the standard procedure. This perception often arises when employees encounter bottlenecks, redundant steps, or overly complex processes that seem to impede their productivity.

To mitigate this issue, organizations should regularly review and streamline their processes to eliminate unnecessary steps and optimize efficiency. By ensuring that processes are designed with efficiency in mind, organizations can reduce the temptation for employees to bypass them in favor of alternative methods.

3. Lack of Resources or Support Employees may also circumvent established processes due to a lack of resources or support necessary to follow them effectively. This could include inadequate access to tools or technology, insufficient training or guidance, or limited support from management or colleagues. When employees feel unsupported or ill-equipped to adhere to established processes, they may resort to improvisation or workaround solutions to get the job done.

To address this challenge, organizations should invest in providing employees with the resources, training, and support they need to execute processes successfully. This may involve providing access to relevant tools and technology, offering comprehensive training programs, and fostering a culture of collaboration and support where employees feel comfortable seeking assistance when needed.

4. Pressure to Meet Targets or Deadlines Employees may also circumvent established processes when they face pressure to meet targets or deadlines that they perceive as unrealistic or unachievable within the confines of the prescribed procedures. In high-pressure environments, employees may prioritize speed or outcomes over adherence to process guidelines, especially if they believe that following the established process will result in missed targets or negative consequences.

To address this issue, organizations should set realistic targets and deadlines that align with the capabilities of their employees and the constraints of their processes. Additionally, organizations should emphasize the importance of following established procedures while providing flexibility and support to employees when unexpected challenges arise.

5. Lack of Accountability or Consequences Finally, employees may circumvent established processes if they perceive a lack of accountability or consequences for non-compliance. If employees believe that there are no repercussions for deviating from established procedures, they may feel emboldened to take shortcuts or bypass processes altogether. This lack of accountability can undermine the integrity of organizational processes and erode trust and confidence in the system.

To address this challenge, organizations should establish clear expectations for process adherence and communicate the importance of compliance to all employees. Additionally, organizations should implement mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing process adherence, such as regular audits, performance evaluations, and disciplinary measures for non-compliance.

In conclusion, while established processes are essential for organizational efficiency and effectiveness, employees may sometimes circumvent them for various reasons. By addressing the root causes of process circumvention and implementing strategies to promote compliance and accountability, organizations can ensure that their processes remain effective and contribute to overall success.