Implementing new technologies in an organization can have remarkable effects such as increased productivity, better sales, improved communication, and simply enhancing your business. On the other hand, introducing a new technology into an organization can be a complex process. That’s why these five tips will make your transition a lot easier and make the technology change more appealing.
Notify your Employees
As soon as you seriously consider the implementation of a new technology in your work environment, tell your employees. Explain the benefits for them and the company and be transparent as soon as possible. According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, only 50% of employees believe that their employer is open and honest with them. If employees are kept informed and understand their role in the process, they will be more likely to help you make that transition.
Adapt to all Learning Styles
To facilitate the transition, training is necessary for you and your employees. Don’t forget that everyone learns differently, so be sure to include multiple learning styles in your strategy.
Visual people need to see the instructions step by step, they are observant and have an increased sense of detail, so don’t hesitate to give them detailed examples. Auditory people, however, need to hear you describe the process and be guided. As for kinesthetic people, they like to experience things by themselves rather than hearing about them.
Team up with a few “Champion” Employees
In your point of view, this change will save employees time, which will allow them to be more flexible and to improve productivity, sales and profits. From the employee’s and related department’s point of view, you jostle them by changing how they always did things and asking them to give up their usual tools for this new technology.
Negativity could therefore easily spread in a workplace. As soon as the news is public, it is wise to get support at all levels by having employees “champions” that listen and understand the benefits of this decision. They can express their interest and support to the team. These sponsors or “champions” of the cause will be invaluable in order to help you deliver a positive message.
Set Goals
It is important to define and communicate your goals for the implementation of this new technology. This can help you know how the organization is responding to it and even which employees are better adopting the technology. Setting goals also helps users get the most out of the new system.
It is common for new technologies to be introduced gradually into business operations, but it’s essential to let employees know what is expected of them at every step. Employees can’t help you measure success (or identify problems) if they don’t know the objectives.
Be Patient
It’s not uncommon for some to become impatient with those who aren’t so enthusiastic about change. If you find that you or your team become irritable because of the time it takes for others to accept the new state of things, remember that adapting to change takes time.
For some, transitioning may be nothing more than a pebble walk on but for others, it may seem like a mountain to climb. You may have been researching and planning for this new technology for a year, but that doesn’t mean everyone is on the same wavelength. Your employees deserve enough time to properly implement this system in their individual tasks.
Humans love habits, so sometimes making changes isn’t always easy. Keep in mind that change is not an event, but a process. Therefore, plan each step of the process and don’t lose sight of why you did it in the first place. Follow these tips and, once your new technology is implemented, your business will become more productive and profitable.
