Which phase of planned change focuses on stabilizing after the change has happened?

The phase of planned change that focuses on stabilizing after the change has occurred is referred to as refreezing. This stage is essential in ensuring that the new practices and behaviors are solidified within the organization so that they become the standard. During refreezing, the focus is on reinforcing and institutionalizing the changes made during the earlier phases, allowing team members to adapt to the new normal effectively.

This process often involves establishing support systems, providing additional training, and ensuring ongoing commitment from leadership and employees alike. The goal is to prevent regression to previous behaviors and maintain the improvements achieved through the change initiative. Proper implementation of the refreezing stage increases the chances of long-term success and sustainability of the changes made.

In contrast, the other phases—unfreezing, changing, and transitioning—serve different purposes within the change management model, dealing with preparing for change, the actual implementation of changes, and managing the shift respectively.