Change Management Risks

Each organization faces its own unique organizational risks related to change. So far, we have explored some of the major 'Big Picture' risks that affect society and, consequently, every organization. Transitioning from Macro to Micro, here’s a list of some key risks to include in your 'Change Map':

1> Shifts in customer/employee preferences - perceptions

2> New competition

3> New innovations

4> Bad decision-making

5> Reputation/Brand decline

6> Market saturation

7> Mergers and acquisitions

8> Loan Defaults

9> Supply Chain

10> Taxation and/or compliance

11> Poor financial controls

12> Overdependence on single revenue streams

13> Declining investor confidence

14> Shipping delays/shortages

15> Inefficient internal processes

16> Labor shortages - high turnover

17> Healthcare costs

18> Workplace accidents - safety risks

19> Project management failures

20> Business continuation failures

21> Cyberattacks

22> Outdated IT

23> System downtime

24> Intellectual property theft

25> Overreliance on third parties

26> Loss of critical data

27> Large decision errors

28> AI/automation risks

29> Integration of various technologies

30> Regulatory issues - Government overreach

31> Software vulnerabilities

32> Insurance risks

33> Non-compliance with laws and workplace standards

34> Environmental, social, and governance regulation

35> Consumer protection lawsuits

36> Intellectual property lawsuits

37> Trade compliance failures

38> Changes in employee trends

39> Disclosure requirements

40> Fines for unethical practices

41> Litigation and reputation fallout

42> Employee talent shortage - gaps

43> Cost control

44> Toxic work culture

45> Risks of international business

46> Construction costs and material availability

47> Currency risks

48> Brand destruction

49> Labor costs

50> Technology infrastructure risks

This list certainly isn't exhaustive. Your organization has its own identity and specific risks to change that need to be identified and addressed.

The goal is to map out these risks to change in advance, enabling strategic planning. We refer to the term 'Constant' when discussing change maps because they should always be in place. In a world of constant change, remaining stagnant is not an option.

Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or if you would like us to include additional content that impacts your organization or your interests.

Top Individual Risks people face going into 2026

1.  Job loss due to automation or AI
2.  Economic recession or slowdown
3.  Inflation reducing purchasing power
4.  Housing affordability challenges
5.  Rising healthcare costs
6.  Personal debt burdens
7.  Insufficient retirement savings
8.  Income instability in gig or contract work
9.  Identity theft and cybercrime
10.  Loss of personal data privacy
11.  Professional displacement from AI tools
12.  Deepfakes and misinformation
13.  Digital addiction and screen overuse
14.  Dependence on unstable technology platforms
15.  Anxiety, burnout, and mental health strain
16.  Chronic disease risk
17.  Future pandemics or infectious disease outbreaks
18.  Substance abuse trends
19.  Limited access to healthcare services
20.  Extreme weather events
21.  Wildfires, floods, and heat waves
22.  Food or water supply disruptions
23.  Political polarization and instability
24.  Crime and public safety concerns
25.  Erosion of social trust and community connection

Like an organization, a person can map out these and other personal/family risks in an attempt to be in front of change versus chasing it.