Are you having trouble getting your employees to use technology in their jobs? Are they resistant to change, or just not comfortable with new tools? Here are some tips on how to make your employees more tech savvy, covering everything from training and education, to motivation and incentives. By following these tips, you can help your employees become more comfortable and productive with technology!
 The future of most businesses has a strong link with technology. It can make processes more efficient and offer better services to clients and customers. But the pace of technological developments has been incredibly fast, and not everyone is able to keep up with the speed of change easily. So how do you support your employees to have a better understanding and grasp of technology, so they can thrive in their jobs and help you innovate? Here are some key tips.
Inspire Them First
Before getting into rigorous training for each new piece of technology you introduce as a company, it’s important to inspire your employees about the benefits technology can bring to the organization. Do this by sharing stories and examples of other companies who have been able to improve their performance by using specific technologies. You could get experts in to tell them about an emerging field of technology, such as a cybersecurity author or an inspiring app developer from the start-up world. This will help employees see that technology is a tool that can be used to improve their work, not make it more difficult.
Don’t Overload Them
When you are introducing a new piece of technology to your employees, it can be tempting to try and show them everything it can do in one go. However, this will only overwhelm them and make it harder for them to learn and use the tool effectively. Start with the basics and then build up, adding more features and functionality as they get more comfortable. It’s also important to provide plenty of opportunities for employees to practice using the new technology in a safe environment, so they can make mistakes without any negative consequences.
Make Training Accessible
There’s no use investing in new technology if your employees don’t have the opportunity to learn how to use it. Make sure training is accessible, whether that means providing online tutorials, in-person classes, or one-on-one support from a more experienced colleague. And don’t forget to cater for different learning styles – some people will prefer to read instructions, while others will want to watch a video or get hands-on experience. By providing a range of training options, you’ll ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn in a way that suits them best. Also set up drop in classes or follow up training sessions a month or two after everyone has started using a new technology. Questions will inevitably come up as people start to get more hands on with the tech, so this is a good opportunity to ensure they are all using the technology correctly, and to its maximum potential.
Encourage Them to Be Creative
One of the best ways to help employees become more comfortable with new technology is to encourage them to be creative with it. This could mean giving them time to experiment with different features and functions, or setting up a competition where they have to come up with new ways to use the technology in their job. By encouraging creativity, you’ll help employees see that there are endless possibilities for how technology can be used – and that they can be part of finding new and innovative ways to use it. Giving employees this freedom will make them more comfortable and relaxed around technology. This is often the way companies innovate and define new products or services.
Brush Up On Good Digital Security Practices
Along with being inspiring, another way to make your employees more tech savvy is by sharing good digital security practices. As we become increasingly reliant on technology, it’s more important than ever to make sure we’re doing everything we can to protect our data. Show your employees how they can keep their data safe by sharing tips on everything from creating strong passwords to spotting phishing scams. And make sure you’re practicing what you preach – if your employees see you taking good care of your own data, they’re more likely to do the same. It’s really important employees get to grips with this to protect your business, so this should be an integral part of any technology you roll out.
Let Them Try Tech Devices
Getting in a range of tech devices that employees can use on their breaks is a great way to make them more comfortable with technology. This could include virtual reality devices, iPads and other tablets, or even just smartphones. By providing employees with access to a range of different devices, you’ll give them the opportunity to try out new technology in a safe and fun environment. And who knows, they might even come up with some new ways to use the devices that you hadn’t thought of before. Encouraging employees to use new technology can be a great way to help them feel more comfortable and increase their skillset.
Encourage Them to Use Technology at Home
One of the best ways to help employees become more comfortable with new technology is to encourage them to use it at home. This could mean setting up a computer or tablet in their homes, or providing them with access to online learning resources. By encouraging employees to use technology at home, you’ll help them feel more confident and familiar with it. And as they become more comfortable using technology, they’ll be better equipped to use it at work.
Technology is becoming increasingly important in the workplace, so it’s crucial that employees are comfortable and confident using it.
