At DubLow Digital, we understand how exciting new technology can be. It promises increased efficiency, a happier workforce, and the potential to stay ahead of competitors. In today’s tech-driven business landscape, staying competitive means embracing these advancements.
However, that excitement can quickly become frustration and financial strain if two key elements are neglected: employee training and effective change management. Small businesses in Colorado often lose money simply because their employees aren’t equipped to use the new tech efficiently.
When team members struggle with their tools, productivity drops, mistakes become more frequent, and customer service suffers. Below, we explore some standard technology challenges employees face and how to solve them.
Lack of Technology Training
Imagine investing in a state-of-the-art CRM system to find your sales team struggling rather than thriving. You anticipated the CRM would make their work more accessible, but they need help locating critical features, managing data entry, and meeting deadlines.
Why? Because they haven’t been properly trained to use the new software. This scenario is all too familiar for businesses, and it often leads to unnecessary costs.
Lost Productivity
Employees need help navigating unfamiliar technology and lose valuable work time. For example, your sales team may miss out on opportunities simply because they need more training to process orders or generate reports.
Costly Errors
Frustration and confusion often result in costly mistakes. Correcting data entry errors can take considerable time and resources, straining budgets and client relationships.
Demotivation and Resistance
The need to use a new system with proper training can be demoralizing. Employees may only use the new technology partially, opting to stick with outdated methods they are comfortable with. This reluctance hinders adoption and minimizes the advantages of the latest tech.
Failing to Manage Change
New technology disrupts established workflows. With appropriate change management, employees can feel safe and confident. Here at DubLow Digital, we emphasize the importance of change management—addressing the human side of technological change. This means providing clear communication, training, support, and engagement to help employees transition smoothly.
Companies that utilize change management are 67% more likely to achieve desired project outcomes.
When change management is neglected, here’s what can happen:
Low Morale
Employees can experience stress during periods of change, especially if they don’t feel supported or fully informed. A lack of communication and guidance during the transition can lead to low morale and a negative work atmosphere.
Shadow IT
Employees who feel that the new system isn’t meeting their needs might start using unauthorized tools, also known as “shadow IT.” This creates security risks and undermines the value of your technology investment.
Resistance to Future Improvements
Negative experiences with a tech rollout can create reluctance toward future changes. This resistance can hinder innovation and make it challenging for businesses in Colorado to adapt to evolving market demands. Without change management, employees may experience “change fatigue,” ultimately impacting productivity.
Building a Bridge to Success
The key to maximizing the value of your new technology lies in practical training and change management. Here’s how to avoid unnecessary costs and reap the full benefits from your tech investments:
Invest in Comprehensive Training
At DubLow Digital, we believe training should never be an afterthought. Even if a tool claims to be easy to use, individuals have different levels of tech literacy. A comprehensive training program—including video tutorials, hands-on workshops, and ongoing support—ensures that everyone can confidently use the new technology.
Focus on User Adoption, Not Just Features
Training shouldn’t only cover how the software works. It should demonstrate how the new tools will benefit employees in their daily tasks and improve efficiency. Without proper adoption, you won’t fully realize the benefits of the technology.
Embrace Change Management
Communication is critical. Explain the reasons for the change, the expected benefits, and how it will make employees’ jobs easier. Encourage open dialogue and address concerns throughout the process to build trust and foster a positive experience with the new system.
The Takeaway
New technology can be a powerful tool for small businesses in Colorado, but it’s only as effective as the people using it. Prioritizing training and change management helps bridge the gap between a new system and meaningful returns on your investment.
Well-trained and engaged employees are the key to maximizing efficiency, boosting morale, and staying ahead of the competition. Don’t let a lack of training and support turn your tech upgrade into a financial burden.
Need Help With Technology Training?
Here at DubLow Digital, we help businesses across Colorado achieve their technology transformation goals. We tailor our training and support programs to suit your specific needs, helping your team excel with new technologies and existing tools.
Ready to create a customized tech training plan for your employees? Contact us today to learn more.
