No matter how excited you are as a manager to integrate new technology into your business, your employees are less likely to greet the technology with as much enthusiasm. Many people like to cling to old ways simply because they are familiar even if they can be assured that the new ways will be easier and will save them time.
While a routine can be beneficial, it is much more beneficial for most companies in today’s economic environment to roll with the times, which can include integrating new technology when necessary.
Here are four steps for making the process as smooth as possible and for getting employees on board with your new plans.
Engage your employees right from the beginning
First, be sure that the technology you choose is truly beneficial for your employees. Consider how it will benefit them and how it could make their work easier. To successfully integrate new technologies into your workplace, employee engagement must become a priority.
Find a way to prove how this new tool will deal with some of their past complaints, particularly ones that they see as being a high priority. Whether your technology will improve customer service, financial outcomes or work speed, be sure that you communicate this with your employees.
Create a rollout plan
Second, rather than just introducing the new technology at the beginning of a day when your employees show up to work, create a roll-out plan that will slowly introduce them to the idea. Let them know when they will begin to use the technology, when and how they will be trained and what your expectations are for them.
Provide great training for everyone
Third, be sure to provide them with excellent training so that they are set up for success from the beginning. Training should be powerful, fun and engaging and should not seek to waste their time. This can be done nearly anywhere and at any time. For example, NetSuite training can be done on-site or from a distance via video.
Follow-up and get feedback
Finally, once the new technology has been fully rolled out, be sure to follow-up with your employees to see how it is working for them. Process innovation depends on your employees. Ask different teams at all levels for feedback – what could be better, and what interests them.
You may get some negative feedback, but you can use this to create additional training opportunities or to change some practical methods that may actually benefit your entire office.
While these tips can make it easier to integrate new technology into your business, you will still need to put some of your own time and effort into the process. You must work one-on-one with key people to ensure that you get the influencers in your office on board. By creating an office culture that is open to change, you can make future technological changes and advances easier on yourself and on your employees.
If your business invests well, even in basic technology, to begin with, it can instantly boost employee productivity as well as the appeal of the company to prospective customers.