Shiny new tech can be exciting! It promises increased efficiency, happier employees, and a competitive edge. Staying competitive in today’s technology-driven business world is essential. However, this promise can quickly turn into a financial nightmare if you neglect two critical aspects: employee training and change management. Without these, you may lose money simply because employees can’t effectively use their new technology.
When employees struggle with their business tools, productivity drops, mistakes happen, and customer service suffers. Here are common staff technology issues and their solutions.
Lack of Technology Training
Imagine investing in a top-of-the-line CRM system only to see your sales team struggling instead of excelling. You expected the CRM to simplify their jobs, but 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. This scenario plays out in countless businesses, leading to the following costs:
Lost Productivity
Employees fumbling with unfamiliar tech lose valuable work time. Imagine 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 Untrained employees might resist using it altogether, clinging to outdated (but familiar) methods.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. 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 using change management are 67% more likely to achieve desired project outcomes. Neglecting change management can lead to:
Low Morale
Change can be stressful. Employees may feel lost and undervalued, especially if there is a lack of clear communication and support during the transition. This can lead to low morale and a negative work environment.
Shadow IT
Employees may resort to using unauthorized tools (shadow IT) if they feel the new system isn’t meeting their needs. This creates security risks and undermines the investment in the new technology.
Resistance to Future Improvements
A negative experience with a tech rollout can make employees wary of future changes, hindering innovation and making it difficult for the company to adapt to evolving market trends. Without change management, employees can experience “change fatigue,” reducing their productivity.
Building a Bridge to Success
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. While some tools claim to be user-friendly, tech literacy varies among employees. Develop a tailored training program that goes beyond basic features, including video tutorials, hands-on workshops, and ongoing support resources. This ensures everyone feels comfortable using the new tools.
Focus on User Adoption, Not Just Features
Training should explain not only how the software works but also how it will benefit employees in their daily tasks and improve workflow efficiency. If employees don’t adopt the tech well, its full benefits are never realized.
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.
The Takeaway
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 to 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 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.