Maximize ROI on New Tech: Why Employee Training and Change Management Are Essential
Shiny new tech can be exciting! It promises increased efficiency, happier employees, and a competitive edge. Staying competitive in today’s technology-driven business world is essential, but that promise can turn into a financial nightmare if you neglect two important things: employee training and change management. Without these, you risk losing money simply because employees can’t effectively use their technology.
When employees struggle with business tools, productivity drops, mistakes happen, and customer service suffers. Read on to discover common staff technology issues and solutions. Lewis IT can help ensure your tech investments pay off by providing expert training and change management support.
The Hidden Costs of Inadequate Technology Training
Imagine investing in a top-of-the-line CRM system, expecting it to boost your sales team's performance. Instead, you see your team struggling, unable to find key features, dealing with data entry issues, and missing deadlines. Why? Because they haven't been properly trained on the new software. This scenario plays out in countless businesses, leading to:
Lost Productivity
Employees fumbling with unfamiliar tech waste valuable work time. For example, consider the lost sales opportunities if your team can’t process orders or generate reports due to inadequate training on the new CRM.
Costly Errors
Confusion and frustration lead to mistakes. Inaccurate data entered into the new system requires time and money to fix, impacting budgets and potentially damaging client relationships.
Demotivation and Resistance
Struggling with a new system is demoralizing. Untrained employees might resist using it altogether, clinging to outdated methods. This hinders adoption and negates the benefits of the new tech.
The Importance of Change Management
New technology disrupts workflows. Without proper change management, employees feel overwhelmed and insecure. Change management focuses on the "human" side of change—helping employees understand why things are changing and providing training, support, and engagement to help them transition successfully. Organizations using change management are 67% more likely to achieve desired project outcomes. Without it, you risk:
Low Morale
Change can be stressful. Employees can feel lost and undervalued without clear communication and support during the transition, leading to low morale and a negative work environment.
Shadow IT
Employees may feel the new system isn't meeting their needs, causing them to use unauthorized tools (shadow IT). This creates security risks and undermines the investment in the new technology.
Resistance to Future Improvements
A negative experience with a tech rollout can make employees wary of future changes, hindering innovation and making it difficult for the company to adapt to evolving market trends.
Building a Bridge to Success
The key to unlocking the true value of new technology lies in effective training and change management. Here's how to avoid the negative costs and get the full benefits from your tech:
Invest in Comprehensive Training
Don't treat training as an afterthought. Develop a tailored training program that goes beyond basic features, including video tutorials, hands-on workshops, and ongoing support resources. This ensures everyone feels comfortable using the new tools.
Focus on User Adoption, Not Just Features
Training should focus on how the new system will benefit employees in their daily tasks and improve workflow efficiency. If employees don’t adopt the tech well, you won’t see its full benefits.
Embrace Change Management
Communicate the "why" behind the change. Explain how the new technology will make everyone's jobs easier and benefit the company as a whole. Encourage open communication and address concerns throughout the transition.
The Takeaway
New technology is a powerful tool, but it's only as valuable as its users. 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 to maximize efficiency, boost morale, and stay ahead of the curve. Don't let a lack of training turn your tech upgrade into a financial drain.
Need Help With Technology Training?
Efficiency and productivity improvements are the goals of most technology transformations. Lewis IT can help you meet your tech goals with tailored staff training and support, ensuring your team excels with new tech and existing tools. Are you ready to discuss a tailored tech training plan for your staff? Contact us today to learn more.
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.
