Shiny new technology can be exciting for some people but can scare others! In todays world, new tech can be a must to stay competitive and it increased efficiency, happier employees and a competitive edge. That promise can turn into a financial nightmare if employees can’t use their technology. This can then cause productivity to drop, mistakes and customer service to fall. This blog shows the common staff technology issues as provides solutions.
Lack of Training
Imagine investing in a top-of-the-line CRM software and you see your sales team floundering instead of excelling. The CRM software it meant to make their jobs easier but they can’t find key features, struggle with data entry, and miss deadlines. Why does this happen? This is due to the staff not being properly trained on the new system and leads to:
Costly Errors
Confusion and frustration lead to mistakes. Inaccurate data entered into the new system requires time and money to fix. Both of these impacts budgets and potentially damages client relationships.
Lost Productivity
Employees fumbling with unfamiliar technology can lose valuable work time. Imagine the lost sales opportunities if your team can’t process orders or can’t generate reports due to inadequate training on the new systems.
Demotivation and Resistance
Struggling with a new system is demoralising and some employees might resist using it altogether as they tend to cling to old familiar methods. This hinders adoption and negates the benefits of the new tech.
Failing to Manage the Change
By its very nature, new technology can disrupt your normal workflows. Without proper change management, employees feel overwhelmed and insecure. Change management is looking at the “human” side of change and is about helping employees understand why things are changing as well as providing training, support and other engagement. The goal is to help them transition successfully. Organisations using change management are 67% more likely to achieve desired project outcomes. When companies neglect change management, the following can happen.
Low Morale
Change can be stressful and employees can feel lost and undervalued, especially with a potential lack of communication and support during the transition. This can lead to low morale and a negative work environment.
Resistance to Future Improvements
A negative experience with a technology rollout can make employees wary of any future changes. This hinders innovation as well as make it difficult for the company to adapt to evolving market trends. Without change management, employees tend to get “change fatigue” and can make them less productive.
Shadow IT
Employees may feel the new system does not meet their needs. This can cause them to resort to using unauthorized software and hardware (known as shadow IT). This creates security risks and undermines the investment in the new technology.
Building a Bridge to Success
The key to unlocking the true value of new technology lies in effective training and change management. Here are some ways to get the full benefits from your tech.
Focus on User Adoption, Not Just Features
Training should not just explain how the software works. It should focus on how the new system will benefit employees in their daily tasks as well as improve workflow efficiency. If employees do not adopt the tech well, you won’t experience the full benefits.
Invest in Training
Do not treat training as an afterthought. Most tools say they are easy to use, but people have different technical literacy levels and some may pick up things quickly, but many do not. There is no replacement for targeted training on a business application. Develop a tailored training program that goes beyond basic features. Include video tutorials, hands-on workshops and ongoing support resources. This helps everyone feel comfortable using the new system.
Embrace Change Management
Communicate the “why” behind the need for the change. Explain how the new technology will make everyone’s jobs easier as well as being a huge benefit for the company. Encourage open communication and address concerns throughout the transition.
The Takeaway
New technology is a powerful tool, but it is only as valuable as its users. Prioritise employee training and change management as this will help you 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 boost morale, maximise efficiency and stay ahead of the curve. Do not 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 systems. We can help you meet your tech goals with staff training. We can tailor this training and support to your needs as well as 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.
