As a C-suite executive, you’re familiar with what your employees think. Sometimes it’s not too flattering. You’re “behind the times.” You’re “out of touch.” You’re “stuck in the past.” You’re “cheap.” (Oh, believe me, I’ve heard the whispers behind my back, too.) Of course, what they don’t know is you’re doing the best you can with the budget, resources and information at your disposal.
So when choosing new office technology, why not shore up the informational side of the equation? Even if you once worked alongside them, office technology evolves at breakneck speed. Unpopular opinion: your team members on the front lines likely know the tech tools they need better than you.
So ask them! Get employee input. Research new office technology options WITH them – not ABOVE them or FOR them.
New Office Technology: Why Employee Opinions Matter
If you’re reading this blog, I’m confident in your mettle as a business leader. You’re taking the time to research and arm yourself with knowledge to make better business decisions.
But so many C-suite executives still focus only on the bottom line — cost savings, ROI and how expenses ultimately affect the balance sheet. That choice of new office printer is best because it fits in the budget. That new cybersecurity software will “just have to work.”
But that’s flawed thinking. New office technology is NOT an expense. It’s an INVESTMENT.
The hidden costs of cheap and outdated – leaving open network vulnerabilities, repeated costly fixes, etc. – far outweigh the anticipated benefits of frugality.
If you’re not asking your front-line staff, you’re missing a critical piece of the puzzle. Employees are the ones who use this technology day in, day out. They know its strengths, its shortcomings and where it falls short in meeting their needs. Their insights can fill the blind spots that even the most astute executives might overlook.
The Gap Between Boardroom Vision & Office Reality
Most of the worst tech decisions in the history of business originated from an executive’s misguided assumptions. New office technology requires first-hand experience to gauge its effectiveness. The network printer that’s marketed as “the next big thing” might look impressive on paper. But if your team is constantly having to troubleshoot it – battling with clunky interfaces, slow processing speeds and cumbersome features – that “innovation” quickly turns into a productivity drain.
The result? Frustrated employees, missed deadlines and a steep learning curve that costs more than the initial investment. Technology should empower your workforce, not hinder it. Listening to employees helps ensure that every dollar spent translates into tangible, operational improvements.
Front-Line Feedback: Your Secret Weapon
Employees interact with office technology in ways that are both practical and creative. They develop workarounds, discover unexpected efficiencies and identify pain points that are invisible from the executive office. Their input is invaluable when it comes to understanding how new office technology will perform in the real world.
For example, consider cybersecurity software — one of the critical pillars of any modern professional office. An out-of-touch executive might select a solution based solely on its attractive price point or headline features, but the real test lies in its everyday usability.
The team responsible for monitoring security may find that the software’s interface is confusing, that it generates too many false alarms, or that it fails to integrate seamlessly with existing systems. Such issues can lead to significant delays in threat detection, recurring operational disruptions and lead to serious data breaches.
Practical Strategies for Gathering Office Tech Input from Employees
So, how do you effectively tap into this wealth of on-the-ground knowledge? Start by creating an environment where feedback is not only welcomed but actively solicited. Regular “tech check-ins” can be part of your team meetings. Ask employees about their daily interactions with technology — what’s working, what isn’t and what could make their jobs easier. Consider setting up anonymous surveys or suggestion boxes specifically focused on office tech. Sometimes people are more honest when their feedback is anonymous.
You also can form a multidisciplinary committee that evaluates new office technology. Involve representatives from IT, operations, customer service and sales/marketing to vet from multiple angles.
Employees feel valued and are more likely to embrace new systems when they see the direct influence of their opinions.
The ROI of Employee-Informed New Office Technology Decisions
The numbers speak for themselves. Businesses that involve employees in the tech decision-making process often see significant returns on their investments. Not only do these companies experience smoother rollouts and fewer productivity disruptions, but they also report higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction.
When your team is happy and efficient, that’s directly reflected in your bottom line.
The cost of a technology misstep is more than just the initial outlay — it’s the lost hours, the frustrated team members and the missed opportunities. When you listen to your team, you get a system that grows with your business and evolves as your team’s skills improve.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, that’s not just an advantage—it’s a competitive necessity.
New Office Technology: Empower Your Team, Empower Your Business
The best technology investments are those that support the people who use them. It’s time for small businesses, especially here in Western New York, to bridge the gap between the corner office and the front lines.
Don’t make tech decisions in isolation. Trust your employees to help you choose the right tech tools that work in harmony with your business goals. If you’re still looking to cut costs, you can look into managed IT and cybersecurity services that eliminate overhead.
Let’s chat. Contact Acme Business at (716) 372-3125 and follow us on LinkedIn, too!
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