Shiny new tech can be exciting! It promises increased efficiency, happier employees, and a competitive edge. It’s also necessary to stay competitive in today’s technology-driven business world.
But that promise can turn into a financial nightmare if you neglect two important things: employee training and change management. You can end up losing money simply because employees can’t use their technology.
When employees have trouble using their business tools, productivity drops, mistakes are made, and customer service can fall. Read on for common staff technology issues as well as the solutions.
Lack of Technology Training
Imagine investing in a top-of-the-line CRM system, then watching your sales team flounder instead of excel. You expected the CRM to make their jobs easier, 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 Untrained employees might resist using it altogether, clinging to outdated (but familiar) methods.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 addresses the “human” side of change. It’s about helping employees understand why things are changing, providing training, support, and engagement to help them transition successfully. Organizations 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. Employees can feel lost and undervalued, especially due to 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 feel the new system isn’t meeting their needs, causing them to resort to using unauthorized tools (shadow IT). 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. This can hinder innovation and make it difficult for the company to adapt to evolving market trends. Without change management, employees tend to get “change fatigue,” making them less productive.
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. Yes, some tools claim they’re easy to use, but people have different tech literacy levels. Some may pick up things quickly, but many don’t. There’s 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 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.
The Takeaway
New technology is a powerful tool, but it’s only as valuable as its users. Prioritise employee training and change management. 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 maximise 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. Here at CRYPTON, we can help you meet your tech goals with staff training. We 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.