Gallagher recognised that, as they grew and merged with Cadence, they needed to harmonise their technology and support staff transitioning into the business to ensure everyone was on the same page.
Gallagher is a leader in the insurance industry. Their recent acquisition of Cadence meant they had a new challenge to overcome, as Cadence had previously been using Google Workspace. Gallagher uses the Microsoft Suite, and this is where our work started. Gallagher had to future-proof their operations by transitioning a newly merged company from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365.
This strategic shift focused on enhancing efficiency, security, and collaboration was achieved in partnership with Changing Social.
Together, we have navigated complex challenges, achieving substantial benefits for Gallagher.
Recognising the Need for Change
Gallagher’s global presence and new varied team structure made it clear that a more unified and integrated workspace was needed.
Some of their organisation needed to shift from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365. It was about more than just migrating data – it was about achieving greater interoperability, streamlining tools, and providing tailored resources to support teams across all regions.
This change empowers Gallagher’s teams to raise productivity, enhance collaboration, and deliver more for their clients. For the business, the move has been essential to remain competitive and resilient in a dynamic market.
Challenges in Migration
With nearly 800 employees accustomed to Google Workspace, the migration to Microsoft 365 posed both logistical and cultural challenges.
Ensuring uninterrupted service during this transition was essential to avoid disrupting Gallagher’s daily operations.
This required precise planning, timings, and coordination, as each team member plays a vital role in Gallagher’s client services. To facilitate the migration, Gallagher adopted a thorough approach, aiming to overcome the learning curve and accommodate the wide range of digital proficiency across the company.
Crafting Tailored Training Solutions
Changing Social developed a custom training programme to address Gallagher’s unique requirements, and this meant we offered bespoke training to fit their needs.
Recognising that this new team worked differently, we designed sessions tailored to various roles and expertise levels within the organisation.
We made the training accessible, flexible, and highly relevant to every employee by always remaining flexible to fit most needs.
This helped ease the migration process’s anxiety for the newer teams.
This personalised approach allowed employees to learn at their own pace, with resources aligned to individual schedules and preferences – an essential aspect of the programme’s success.
Fostering Engagement and Practical Learning
To make the training truly engaging, Changing Social incorporated interactive elements and real-life scenarios to mirror the everyday tasks employees perform.
Practical workshops helped employees build familiarity with the new tools and boosted their confidence. By using comparisons to Google Workspace in the Microsoft 365 Suite meant that the team felt eased and confident in some of the similarities but also the bonus features within the Microsoft Suite.
This hands-on approach eased resistance to change, fostering a positive mindset toward Microsoft 365 as an asset for productivity and growth rather than just another system update.
Positive Feedback and Immediate Benefits
Feedback from Gallagher’s teams following the training was overwhelmingly positive.
Employees appreciated the accessible, engaging training, which enabled them to quickly integrate the new tools into their routines.
This smooth transition, supported by scenario-based training, helped employees turn their learning directly into productivity gains, enabling teams to hit the ground running.
Enhanced Operations and Business Outcomes
Since the migration, Gallagher has seen significant improvements in operational efficiency, data management, and team collaboration.
Microsoft 365 has equipped the teams with strong tools for managing workflows, secure data handling, and streamlined communications, aligning smoothly with Gallagher’s long-term goals for productivity and security.
The benefits have been felt across the organisation, from daily operations to strategic decision-making.
Addressing Unanticipated Challenges
Despite detailed planning, the migration process revealed unexpected challenges, such as data migration hiccups and adjustments to Microsoft 365.
These obstacles, however, provided valuable insights that allowed Gallagher and Changing Social to refine their training modules and ongoing support strategies.
By addressing these challenges head-on, they created a robust foundation for any future transitions.
A Strategic Partnership with Changing Social
Changing Social’s expertise was instrumental to Gallagher’s successful migration. Their meticulous planning and tailored approach facilitated a seamless transition. The partnership underscored a shared vision: equipping Gallagher with the tools, support, and training necessary for long-term success.
Final Reflections
Gallagher’s experience offers valuable insights for organisations considering a similar transition.
Thorough planning, custom training, and continuous support are essential to ensuring a smooth transition and strong adoption rates. Building employee confidence in new tools is critical for high engagement and reducing the friction often seen in major tech transformations.
Gallagher’s successful migration to Microsoft 365, supported by Changing Social’s guidance, exemplifies a well-planned transformation. This case study offers a roadmap for businesses looking to adopt new tools that strengthen operations, productivity, and growth in a highly competitive environment.
