In the context of change management, what does “sustainment” refer to?

Sustainment in the context of change management refers to the ongoing efforts and strategies needed to ensure that implemented changes are not only maintained but also integrated into the organization's culture and operations over time. This involves actively reinforcing new behaviors, processes, and practices so that they become the norm and are not abandoned after the initial implementation phase.

Successful sustainment encompasses a variety of activities, such as providing continuous support and training, measuring outcomes, soliciting feedback, and making necessary adjustments to practices. By focusing on sustainment, organizations can avoid the common pitfall of reverting to old ways of working after the change initiative has concluded, thereby enhancing the likelihood of long-term success and stability.