The Importance of Staff Buy-In during Digital Transformation or Change
Technology has become an integral part of just about every Australian business. Now more than ever small and medium Australian businesses just like yours are looking to improve their technology game. Technology upgrades bring a number of key benefits including increased cyber security, simplified and improved workflows, reducing inefficiencies and even cost savings just to name a few key benefits.
We know technology upgrades and change can be challenging for any business. Moreso for your Teams. Getting staff buy in for your digital roadmap is key to successful implementation and adoption. Getting staff involved early is crucial to this success, getting a plan together and bringing in key team members to vet your ideas or gauge their reactions is so important. It allows them to give feedback on the plan and how they and their co workers might view the change.
Importance of getting buy in early in the process
Getting buy in early has a number of key benefits for both staff and your business, these can include:
Enhanced Adoption Rates
Getting staff invested and excited early in the process makes them much more likely to adopt the new system or process. This will make the transition process much smoother as Teams are excited about the improvements in your business.
Increased productivity
Employees who are engaged are more likely to embrace new technologies that improve their workflow and can provide them greater efficiency and security. Through early planning and demonstrating how the solution will benefit them, they can be confident in you and the process.
Less resistance from staff
Let’s face it, the unknown can be scary. Not knowing how things will change or if job responsibilities may evolve can leave staff feeling anxious. Getting buy in and feedback early on help to alleviate this stress. By allowing staff to learn and have their questions or concerns addressed makes for a much smoother implementation.
Strategies to achieve buy in from your Team
Communication is key
Clear communication is the cornerstone of any business, it is especially important in times of change. Clearly and simply explaining to your Teams the reason for change is vital. Digital transformation is a journey and your team should be along for the ride. You should clearly outline how the digital transformation will benefit the business but more importantly your Team.
Involve employees early
Involving employees during the planning phase of your digital transformation journey will make them feel valued and part of the process. It can be a nice moral boost to include staff in the process as they can also provide valuable feedback. As they are on the ground doing the day-to-day work, they will have insight into how the process might be better adapted to meet the needs of your Teams.
Training and Support
Ensure that staff have access to the training and support they need throughout the process. Ensure they know who is responsible and how they can get help should they need it. This could be an internal stakeholder or if working with an MSP such as FordhamIT, it would be us who provide the change management and support to your Teams.
Commitment from leaders
It is important that Managers and Leaders keep a positive mindset and front for staff. If Managers or Leaders are not fully on board, they may sway and bias other staff members. Either directly or indirectly. Keeping a united and committed front shows your Teams that this is the right direction for them and your business.
Incremental change
Be calculated and gradual when implementing your digital transformation. Be aware not to burden your staff with several large changes all at once. Staff will need time to learn, gain confidence and upskill themselves. Be sure to plan and carefully implement your strategy, making sure to gain feedback throughout the process.
Wrap Up
Through thorough planning and early collaboration with your Team, you can ensure your digital journey is a successful one. Clear communication, early employee involvement and incremental change can ensure your Teams have less resistance and will increase their adoption and moral. At FordhamIT we collaborate with and support businesses across Newcastle, Maitland and the Hunter Region through their IT and Security journeys. Our focus is a people first approach, by getting to know your business and staff we can better manage change in your business.