This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you prepare for a successful and smooth Culture Amp implementation. By following these steps, you can streamline the process, ensure your team is aligned, and prepare your employees for a seamless transition.
Key benefits include:
A Faster Implementation: Clean data and a prepared team lead to a quicker setup.
Increased Adoption: A strong change management plan helps employees embrace the new platform.
Clear Communication: Everyone on your team and in your company will know what to expect.
Prepare Your Data and Technical Systems
This is a critical first step. The quality of your employee data and how you manage your internal systems will directly impact your implementation timeline.
Conduct a preliminary data audit:
Find Your Data: Where does your employee data currently live? Do you have one main system (e.g., HRIS) or is it spread across multiple spreadsheets?
Assess Data Quality: Are job titles, department names, and manager-employee relationships accurate and up to date? Our user data import guide will help you familiarize yourself with the different import options, required demographics, and formatting.
Assign Ownership: Who is responsible for maintaining the accuracy of this data?
Review integration and login options:
Review the different options for integrating your data with Culture Amp.
Confirm your internal requirements for Single Sign On (SSO).
Review the SSO options available for Culture Amp.
Manage historical data:
Connect with your previous vendor to understand how to export your historical data.
Familiarize yourself with the historical survey import options in Culture Amp.
Mobilize Your Project Team
Assembling the right team is essential for a successful implementation. Your team will be responsible for executing the project and ensuring a smooth launch. The team may include the following:
Role | Key Responsibilities |
Executive Sponsor | Champions the project and ensures alignment with the overall company strategy. |
Internal Project Manager or Project Lead | Owns project goals, manages the implementation timeline, and is the main point of contact. |
Technical/HRIS Specialist and/or IT Lead | Assists with technical setup, including importing employee data/HRIS integration, Single Sign On (SSO), and allow listing. |
Change Management/Communications Lead | Acts as the bridge between the technical project team and employees, ensuring a smooth transition that maximizes adoption and minimizes resistance. |
Draft a Change Management Plan
Introducing a new platform impacts everyone. A detailed plan helps minimize risks and ensures clear communication. Your plan should include:
Focus Area | Description |
Aligning Leadership | Unify leaders on the purpose of the change and form a core team to champion the initiative. |
Assessing Impact & Engaging Stakeholders | Analyze how the change will affect different employee groups and use this to build a plan for engaging key players and managing risks. |
Deploying Strategic Communications | Create a clear narrative with messages tailored to specific audiences and deliver them according to a planned schedule. |
Providing Targeted Training & Support | Identify skill gaps created by the change and implement a training plan to equip employees for success in their new roles. |
FAQs
What is a typical implementation timeline?
We recommend planning for 6-12 weeks for a first-time implementation. This allows ample time for technical setup, data tasks, stakeholder engagement, and change management. Larger or more complex organizations may need additional time.
What support does Culture Amp offer during implementation?
Implementation services are available to all Culture Amp customers. For full service offerings, please reach out to your Account Executive.
Where can I get help during an implementation?
You can contact our support team at any time by emailing support@cultureamp.com. Administrators can also use our live chat service — find out more here.
You can also view and register for extra training courses and live office hours sessions in the Culture Amp Training Center.
For strategic or best-practice advice, reach out to your assigned Customer Success Manager. For contractual questions, your Account Manager or Account Executive is your best point of contact.