Shiny new tech can be exciting! It promises increased efficiency, happier employees, and a competitive edge, which is talked about all the time.
However, this promise can quickly become a financial nightmare if you neglect two important aspects:
- Employee training, and
- Change management
Without proper training and support, employees may struggle to use the new technology, leading to productivity losses and other costly issues.
When employees have trouble using their business tools, productivity drops. significantly Mistakes are made, and customer service can suffer. Let’s explore some common staff technology issues and practical solutions.
Lack of Technology Training
Imagine you’ve just invested in a top-of-the-line CRM system. You expect your sales team to excel, but instead, they flounder. They can’t find key features, struggle with data entry, and miss deadlines. Why? Because they haven’t been properly trained on the new software and are just doing what they already know or can figure out in a pinch. This scenario plays out in countless businesses and leads to the following costs:
- Lost Productivity
Employees fumbling with unfamiliar tech lose valuable work time. Think about the lost sales opportunities if your team can’t process orders or generate reports due to inadequate training on the new CRM. - Costly Errors
Confusion and frustration lead to mistakes. Inaccurate data entered into the new system requires time and money to fix, impacting budgets and potentially damaging client relationships. - Demotivation and Resistance
Struggling with a new system is demoralizing. Untrained employees might resist using it altogether, clinging to outdated (but familiar) methods. This hinders adoption and negates the benefits of the new tech.
Failing to Manage the Change
New technology disrupts workflows, and without proper change management, employees feel overwhelmed and insecure. Change management focuses on the “human” side of change, helping employees understand why things are changing and providing training, support, and engagement to help them transition successfully.
Organizations that use change management are 67% more likely to achieve desired project outcomes. Neglecting change management can lead to the following issues:
- Low Morale
Change can be stressful. Employees can feel lost, incapable and undervalued, especially with a lack of clear communication and support during the transition. They may think their questions are seen as them being incapable of learning or grasping new software, when it’s really about practicing. This can lead to low morale and a negative work environment. - Shadow IT
Employees may feel the new system isn’t meeting their needs and resort to using unauthorized tools to get the work done (shadow IT), creating security risks and undermining the investment in the new technology. - Resistance to Future Improvements
A negative experience with a tech rollout can make employees wary of future changes. This can hinder innovation and make it difficult for the company to adapt to evolving market trends. Without change management, employees can develop “change fatigue,” making them less productive.
Helping your Team Navigate Changes
The key to unlocking the true value of new technology lies in effective training and change management. Here’s how to avoid the negative costs and get the full benefits from your tech.
- Invest in Comprehensive Training
Don’t treat training as an afterthought or an unnecessary add-on. Even if tools claim to be easy to use, people have different tech literacy levels. There’s no replacement for targeted training on a business application! Develop a tailored training program that goes beyond basic features, including video tutorials, hands-on workshops, and ongoing support resources, like a dedicated Help Desk. This helps everyone feel comfortable using the new tools. - Focus on User Adoption, Not Just Features
Training shouldn’t just explain how the software works. It should focus on how the new system will benefit employees in their daily tasks and improve workflow efficiency. If employees don’t adopt the tech well, you won’t see its full benefits. - Embrace Change Management
Communicate the “why” behind the change. Explain how the new technology will make everyone’s jobs easier and ultimately benefit the company as a whole. Encourage open communication and address concerns throughout the transition.
New technology is a powerful tool, but it’s only as valuable as its users. Prioritize employee training and change management to bridge the gap between a shiny new system and a real return on investment.
Happy, well-trained employees using the right tools are your secret weapon. They can help you maximize efficiency, boost morale, and stay ahead of the curve. Don’t let a lack of training turn your tech upgrade into a financial drain.
Need Help With Technology Training?
Efficiency and productivity improvements are the goals of most technology transformations. We can help you meet your tech goals with comprehensive and personalized staff training. We can tailor training and support to your needs, helping your team excel with new tech and existing tools.
Are you ready to discuss a tailored tech training plan for your staff? Contact us today to learn more!
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.
