New technology can be exciting! It offers the potential for better efficiency, happier teams, and a stronger position in the market. It’s also essential to remain competitive in today’s tech-focused business world.
However, if you overlook two key aspects—employee training and managing change—it can lead to serious financial problems. Without proper training, employees may struggle with the new technology, costing the company money.
When employees face difficulties using business tools, productivity drops. This can result in errors and poorer customer service. Read on to learn about common technology issues employees face and how to solve them.
Lack of Technology Training
Imagine spending money on a high-end CRM system, only to find your sales team struggling instead of thriving. You expected the CRM to simplify their tasks, but they can’t find important features, have trouble entering data, and miss deadlines.
Why is this happening? It’s because they haven’t received proper training on the new software. This situation occurs in many businesses, leading to the following costs:
Lost Productivity
When employees struggle with unfamiliar technology, they waste valuable time. Think about the missed sales opportunities if your team can’t process orders or generate reports because they haven’t been properly trained on the new CRM.
Costly Errors
Confusion and frustration can lead to mistakes. When inaccurate data is entered into the new system, it takes time and money to correct. This not only affects budgets but can also harm client relationships.
Demotivation and Resistance
Struggling with a new system can be discouraging. Untrained employees may resist using it and stick to old, familiar methods. This slows down adoption and prevents the new technology from delivering its intended benefits.
Failing to Manage the Change
New technology can disrupt workflows. Without proper change management, employees may feel overwhelmed and uncertain. Change management focuses on the “human” side of change—it helps employees understand why changes are happening and provides training, support, and other engagement. The goal is to guide them through a smooth transition.
Organizations that implement change management are 67% more likely to achieve their desired project outcomes.
When companies overlook change management, the following issues can arise.
Low Morale
Change can be stressful. Employees may feel lost and unappreciated, especially if there’s a lack of clear communication and support during the transition. This can result in low morale and create a negative work environment.
Shadow IT
Employees might feel the new system doesn’t meet their needs, leading them to use unauthorized tools (shadow IT). This creates security risks and weakens the investment in the new technology.
Resistance to Future Improvements
A negative experience with a tech rollout can make employees hesitant about future changes. This can stifle innovation and make it harder for the company to keep up with changing market trends. Without proper change management, employees may experience “change fatigue,” which can reduce their productivity.
Building a Bridge to Success
The key to unlocking the full potential of new technology lies in effective training and change management. Here’s how to avoid the negative costs and maximize the benefits of your tech.
Invest in Comprehensive Training
Don’t treat training as an afterthought. While some tools claim to be easy to use, people have different levels of tech literacy. Some may catch on quickly, but many need more time and guidance to effectively address business network issues. There’s no substitute for focused training on a business application.
Create a tailored training program that covers more than just basic features. Include video tutorials, hands-on workshops, and ongoing support resources. This ensures everyone feels confident using the new tools.
Focus on User Adoption, Not Just Features
Training shouldn’t just explain how the software works; it should highlight how the new system will benefit employees in their daily tasks and improve workflow efficiency. If employees don’t fully embrace the technology, you won’t get to experience its full potential.
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. Foster open communication and address concerns throughout the transition to ensure a smooth process.
The Takeaway
New technology is a powerful tool, but its value depends on how well it’s used. Prioritize employee training and change management to 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 boost efficiency, improve morale, and keep you ahead of the competition. Don’t let a lack of training turn your tech upgrade into a financial burden.
Need Help With Technology Training?
Efficiency and productivity improvements are key goals for most technology transformations. We can help you achieve these goals with customized staff training. Our training and support can be tailored to your needs, helping your team excel with both new technology and existing tools.
Are you ready to discuss a personalized tech training plan for your staff?
