We live in a world of digital evolution. Changes in tech happen by the minute. They mature only to change once again. To keep up with the world around us, businesses must continue to adapt their practices to the outside world – the digital world – or else they will be left in the dust.
Businesses everywhere are going through a digital transformation. But evolving with changes in tech is proving to be difficult. A vast majority of these digital transformation projects end in disappointment. Why? Because organizations – from the top down, from administration to support staff – were not ready with the digital skills and tools needed to succeed.
Changes in Tech Happen Every Day. Is Your Staff Ready to Evolve?
In a recent survey by Couchbase, 81% of respondents reported digital upgrade project failure, significant delays, or even backtracking in the last 12 months. These issues can be attributed to nothing less than human error. This is the result of poor planning, underestimating the scale of such change, and not preparing employees to embrace the new technology.
Embracing 21st Century Change
Getting employees to embrace this digital transformation can be one of the most important steps to succeed. But this doesn’t just happen on its own. Any new technology will impact your entire business, changing your employees’ daily work life. You must create a new positive organizational culture to aid this rebuilding – and the growing pains that inevitably come with it.
As a business decision-maker, you must view your digital transformation as a company-wide collaborative project. Communication between employees at all levels should be encouraged before and throughout the entire process. Like anything else, it’s important for your employees to feel involved with this process. Nurture a community where your employees feel they can help and learn from one another. Create channels for easy communication and feedback will help with this process.
Training is Essential
You can’t expect anyone to white knuckle a massive tech evolution. You can’t tell anyone on your team to “figure it out” – that’s essentially throwing them to the wolves. Employees NEED training. Believe it or not, C-level executives (like yourself) need it, too.
If your staff can’t use their new digital tools effectively, you can expect satisfaction, motivation and productivity to suffer. (Oh, yeah, and your movement toward tech improvements will fail miserably.)
Many employees will catch on quickly to this new technology, but you can’t expect them all to. People have different learning and working styles. Some might have trouble adapting. Some may outright resist. Training should be offered (even mandated) for every employee to better their chances of success. Internal questionnaires or interviews can help you identify what kind of training each individual may need. This could also be your opportunity to ask your staff which tasks they wish to prioritize to make their work lives easier.
Embrace the Learning Curve
During this hectic learning time, don’t forget the best learning happens after making mistakes. Create a positive, trusting environment that empowers your employees to learn without fear of punishment. The only way for this digital reconstruction amid changes in tech to reach its full potential is for your employees to see how the new tools can make their jobs easier. But they must first be given the time and leeway to learn the skills to make that happen.
Your employees are key. Without them on board with tech changes, the most likely outcome for your transformation is failure. Investing in innovative technology is not enough. You must develop a new company culture that is suited for the digital era. There’s no question not every employee will be enthusiastic about the changes, however open communication, training and support can resolve any concerns they have. Devote time and resources into the people who can ensure your success!
Let’s Evolve Together! Adapting to Changes in Tech is Possible for Your Business
Acme Business can keep up to date with the latest technology and help you introduce these new tools to your employees. Contact Acme Business today if you want to begin a new digital transformation yourself! Request a quote today or contact me at jim.finch@acmebusiness.com.
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