How to convince employees to adopt new technology

As technology continues to evolve, companies must learn how to implement new technology in the workplace. Technology implementation can seem intimidating, especially when employees are resistant to change and unfamiliar with the latest tools.

Not only are employees inundated with notifications while working (upwards of 121 emails per day), but the fear that automation and artificial intelligence could replace them has caused some to feel threatened.

In this blog, we discuss several key topics regarding technology implementation:

• Challenges of introducing new technology into the workplace
• The importance of training employees on new technology
• How companies can learn about new technologies
• How to implement new technology in the workplace

Top 5 challenges of introducing new technology into the workplace

1. Resistance to change: A survey by Robert Half found that managers consider resistance to change as the biggest obstacle to successful technology implementation. Employee resistance is often due to fear of the unknown or a lack of confidence in their ability to use the new technology.
2. Limited training: Software and systems training is essential when introducing new technology into the workplace. Rather than pushing new technologies upon employees, organizations should provide them with the right training and ongoing support to use and adopt those tools successfully.
3. Poor user experience: Research by Freshworks found that nine in 10 employees reported that they’re frustrated with their work software. If the technology isn’t intuitive or user-friendly, employees will be less likely to use it.
4. Lack of buy-in from leadership: Employees may be hesitant to adopt new technology if they do not see buy-in and support from their leadership. If leaders are not actively promoting and using the new technology themselves, employees may view it as optional or unnecessary.
5. Integration with existing systems: If new technology doesn't integrate well with existing software or processes, it can lead to inefficiencies as employees try to navigate multiple systems or workarounds.

However, when handled properly, introducing new technology into the workplace benefits everyone involved. It can streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve customer experience. What you need is a new technology implementation plan that considers all relevant stakeholders.

Let’s take a look at how to implement new technology in the workplace and its importance.

The importance of training employees on new technology

Some may call it a necessary evil. Others see it as an opportunity to advance their skills and reduce their workload. No matter how you see it, keeping up with technology in the workplace is essential for organizational success.

Beyond implementing new technology in an organization to stay current with market trends, there are various strategic reasons that support the importance of training employees on new technology.

1. Increase customer satisfaction

With new technology, organizations can automate processes and reduce wait times, which can lead to faster service and a more streamlined experience for customers. Introducing new technology into the workplace can also provide customers with more options for interacting with the organization, such as online chatbots, mobile apps, or self-service kiosks, improving convenience and accessibility.

2. Gain a competitive advantage

Being up-to-date with technology allows organizations to stay ahead of or keep pace with the competition. By harnessing the power of automation, organizations can operate more efficiently, which can reduce costs and increase profitability. Additionally, technology can enable organizations to innovate by providing new capabilities, leading to new products or services that differentiate them from competitors.

3. Scale quickly

Implementing a new system in the workplace can help your company scale quickly, allowing it to expand its operations and revenue rapidly. With increased agility, you can better meet customer needs while maximizing efficiency and minimizing overhead costs. Plus, by improving productivity, your company can focus on its core competencies and drive more innovation.

How companies can learn about new technologies

Before you implement new tech in your organization, you need to know what kinds of solutions are available and what they can offer you. You can keep up with the latest advancements in technology and automation in a few different ways.

Attend industry conferences

Industry-specific conferences and events are an excellent way to keep up with the latest technology in your field. You can also meet other professionals at these events to get their insights into which systems work best for them. These gatherings are often great networking opportunities to build relationships with potential partners and vendors, too.

Follow industry publications

Read industry publications regularly to stay up-to-date on tech trends and the like. You can also subscribe to newsletters from tech companies or other organizations related to your operations. This will help you get an overview of what’s available so you can decide which systems are appropriate for your business needs.

Conduct research

When choosing technology for your business, it’s essential to ask the right questions. Contact vendors and other professionals in your industry and ask how they use technology in their operations. Companies can also learn about new technologies by monitoring their competitors and observing the technologies they are adopting.

Hire technology consultants

Another way organizations can learn about new innovations in their field is by hiring consultants, like Unboxed Training & Technology (Unboxed), who specialize in a particular area of technology to ensure you’re getting the best out of your new tech. These consultants can provide expertise, insights, and guidance on how to convince employees to adopt new technology.

How to implement new technology in the workplace

While there are various elements to any new technology implementation strategy, it starts with change management. Change management is essential in today's fast-paced business environment, where organizations must continually adapt to stay competitive and meet customer needs.

1. Identify the need for change. The first step in change management is identifying the need for change and assessing the potential impact of the proposed changes, both positive and negative.
2. Plan for change. When planning for change, you should include a detailed timeline, a list of resources required, and a clear communication strategy. The plan should also identify potential roadblocks and how they will be addressed.
3. Involve employees in the selection process: Before making a final decision on which technology to adopt, involve your employees in the selection process. By giving employees a say in the decision-making process, they will feel more invested in the new technology.
4. Highlight the benefits: Clearly communicate the benefits of the new technology to employees. Emphasize how the technology will make their work easier, faster, or more efficient.
5. Provide training: Provide training to employees on how to use the new technology. This can be done through formal training sessions, online tutorials, or one-on-one coaching. Make sure employees have the skills they need to use the technology effectively.
6. Set expectations: Clearly define expectations for how the new technology will be used. This can include guidelines on when to use it, how to use it, and what the expected outcomes are. This will help employees understand the role technology plays in their work.
7. Make it user-friendly: Choose technology that is user-friendly and intuitive. If employees find the technology easy to use, they are more likely to adopt it.
8. Provide support: Provide ongoing support to employees as they use the new technology. This can include an IT help desk, troubleshooting guides, or access to a designated support person.
9. Encourage experimentation: Encourage employees to experiment with the new technology. This can help them discover new ways to use it and become more comfortable with it.
10. Celebrate success: Celebrate successes as employees adopt the new technology. This can include recognizing employees who have embraced the technology and sharing success stories with the rest of the team.
11. Address resistance: Address any resistance to the new technology. This can be done by listening to employee concerns, providing additional training, or addressing any technical issues.
12. Lead by example: Lead by example by using the new technology yourself. This will demonstrate your commitment to the technology and show employees how to use it effectively.

At Unboxed, our modern take on change management training uses engaging, high-impact content to help you spread your message and gain buy-in from key stakeholders. Ready to see how our custom change management training programs can help your organization navigate change successfully? Request a demo.