How to Encourage More Employees to Adapt to New Technology
While many individuals love change, others do not. When you bring new technology into the workplace, some employees may be resistant and do not want to change their routines, their processes, and the systems that they are familiar with using. To help these unwilling employees, here are a few tips you may want to implement.
1. Highlight the Benefits First
The first impression can make all the difference. When you are first introducing and showcasing this new technology, explain how it will benefit the employees and make their job easier. You may need to step into a marketing-mode and try to sell the product to your employees. When they become excited about a feature, setting, or idea, it will make them more willing to learn and utilize it.
2. Start with a Master Team
Before you implement new technology throughout the entire company or department, begin with just a small team of individuals. This allows these employees to work through the quirks of the technology, troubleshoot many common problems they may find, and learn how to make it beneficial for everyone. Plus, the good things they say about the technology will make others excited to utilize the items as well. And, if problems or concerns arise when implementing the applications or gadgets throughout the entire company, you have a handful of go-to experts to assist.
3. Offer Incentives
Sometimes your employees will need a little more of a push to use the new technology. Offer a variety of incentives such as cash bonuses, gift cards, entries into drawings and raffles, etc., after they have completed trainings, successfully used the application or gadget for a certain amount of time, etc.
4. Make Training Exciting
One of the drawbacks of implementing new technology throughout your workforce is the increased trainings and meetings that will be required to ensure everyone successfully knows how to use it. Don’t make these meetings long and filled with way too much information. Your employees will not process and retain much of the information that is being presented to them. Instead, make trainings short and fun. Be creative and organize games, film videos, etc. Also, make sure the trainers are fun and lively. You don’t want to put your employees to sleep.
5. Listen to Employees
Why are employees hesitant to utilize new technology? What is holding them back? Be willing to hold one-on-one meetings with employees and gather feedback from them. If you don’t have time to meet with everyone, conduct online or text message surveys. Truly listen to the concerns of your employees. If many individuals are hesitant, consider why and make sure you are making the right decision for your entire company.
Technology is advancing at a rapid pace and if you don’t keep up with many of these changes, your company may quickly fall behind. However, spend time researching and weighing the pros and cons of products and applications you may be considering. If you feel the change is good, use the above tips to help others feel the same way.
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