Employee support of technology is essential to digital transformation success

Digital transformation won't succeed in the long run without employee buy-in. To improve employee attitudes, a more collaborative approach to new technologies must be taken.

Employee support of technology is essential to digital transformation success

Digital transformation won’t succeed in the long run without employee buy-in. To improve employee attitudes, a more collaborative approach to new technologies must be taken.

Getting the C-Suite on board is of course vital to secure funding for exciting new technology, but for digital transformation to truly be a success, it is equally as important that those who will be using the technology day-to-day are convinced of its benefits. Digital solutions will only make a tangible difference to business operations and outcomes when used correctly and consistently, so it is crucial that employees feel positive about technology.

When asked whether their employees react positively to new technology, only a third (33%) of businesses surveyed as part of the Nexer Connected Enterprise report agreed, and only slightly more (37%) said their employees appreciate the benefits of new technology.

Damningly, more than a quarter (26%) of employees think that technology can cause problems if not implemented carefully, 16% believe that the costs outweigh the benefits and nearly one in 10 (9%) see new technology as an unnecessary burden.

So, what prevents employees from reacting positively to new technology? Often, it is a lack of adequate consultation or education before implementation.

This is illustrated by just 28% of businesses saying their employees find it easy to learn how to use new technologies, while 24% said that some of their employees struggle to learn, and 13% said many of their employees find it difficult.

Digital skills within a workforce vary from person to person, with younger employees more likely to find adapting to new ways of working easy ‘ though this is not always necessarily the case. It is essential that businesses do not assume a certain level of technological proficiency when introducing new technologies to employees, particularly those who have been working for the business for a long time.

In order to improve the reaction to new digital tools and processes amongst employees, and ensure optimum return on investment, businesses should always take a collaborative approach, taking time to explain the reasons behind any new introductions to employees and providing as much support as necessary to make staff feel comfortable.

Just 12% of businesses surveyed said that their employees tell them that businesses technology improves their day-to-day life and nearly one in 10 (8%) said that they regularly receive complaints from employees following the implementation of new technologies.

It’s important to bear in mind that while digital transformation makes companies more profitable, enhances the customer experience and enables businesses to keep up with competitors, it should also always improve the employee experience.

If a new technology will not ultimately make the daily responsibilities of employees simpler or more efficient following the appropriate training, then it is not the right technology for the business and will likely not be a success in the long run.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Colin Crow
Colin Crow
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