Why Workarounds Happen — and Why They’re More Dangerous Than You Think
May 05, 2026
What is a workaround in an information governance context?
A workaround is a manual, unofficial process an employee creates because the official system or workflow doesn’t give them what they need. It’s usually faster, easier, or more reliable for them—but it introduces risk for the organization.
How do workarounds show up during assessment interviews?
We often hear something like:
“I’m supposed to go into SAP, pull the invoice, check the attachment, and verify the work in System A or System B… but that never works. So I just call my friend at the other site because she knows the answer.”
That’s the moment we know a workaround exists.
Why do employees rely on workarounds?
Because the official process is too slow, too confusing, or too unreliable. When systems don’t talk to each other or filing structures are impossible to navigate, people default to the fastest path to getting their job done.
What risks do these hidden processes create?
- Inconsistent decision‑making
- Loss of traceability
- Dependency on individuals
- Compliance exposure
Why do workarounds matter for governance maturity?
Because they reveal the truth: the documented process is not the actual process. Between Step 3 and Step 4, something else is happening—and that “something else” is where risk lives.
How do organizations fix this?
By identifying the gap the workaround is filling, then redesigning the process or system to meet the real operational need.
For a deeper discussion on uncovering hidden processes, listen to What Counts by TrailBlazer Consulting, Episode 8.
