Here's Why Your Staff Are Resisting New Technology

Introducing new technology and digital tools is crucial for businesses to stay innovative and productive. But the reality is, it doesn’t matter how state-of-the-art or advanced the new technology being rolled out is, if your people aren’t using it.  
 
After a long technology project sourcing the right tool, integrating it into your existing environment, and then going live. A lack of adoption is the last thing you want!

So why is this? Why don’t your people embrace new technology in the way you might expect? 

1. It doesn't meet the right needs

Before starting any digital technology project, you need to assess your current state. And correctly define your needs. Both of your people, and organisation as a whole.  
 
From surveys, interviews, and assessments, you can gain crucial insight to pave the way for a successful roll out or integration. Then, by providing exactly what your people need, you are likely to achieve much greater adoption.  

2. People don't fully understand the benefits 

Your teams will be far more likely to adopt new technologies if they understand exactly how it will enable them and enhance their working lives. Without clear communication of the benefits of the tech, how will your people know what’s in it for them?  
 
Put together an engaging internal comms campaign early on. Using multiple channels available and really building the excitement for the new ways of working. Ensuring everyone understands the benefits right from the outset.  

3. Your leaders haven't been driving the change

Leaders are huge contributors to the success of change programmes. Crucial for cascading information but also for being vocal advocates for the change you are trying to implement. Their overall influence within an organisation makes them one of the most useful tools at your disposal.

Engage with your leadership team and get their buy in. Using them as executive sponsors to champion the change.

4. People don't understand how to use the technology

If people don’t know how to use something, they simply aren’t going to.  
 
That’s why educating your teams is crucial, no matter what tool or technology you decide to implement. Deliver inspiring learning opportunities to your staff. Provide proper support even after the training has ended, and ensure there are plenty of resources to support self-serve learning.

By improving level of understanding of the technology, you drastically improve rates of adoption.

5. Sometimes - people just don't like change!

Ultimately, some people just don’t like change. Of course this can differ between organisations, with some having a company culture that embraces change better than others. 
 
If someone is used to working in a particular way, they might be reluctant to change that. Especially if they’ve been working this way for a long time and are 'stuck in their ways.'

By bringing together all of the methods mentioned above with a comprehensive change management programme, you can transform culture and boost adoption!

Why your people don’t adopt new technologies – our final thoughts  

People resisting new technologies is a common problem for organisations who are on their digital transformation journeys.  

However, with proper planning and a programme in place to bring people along - you can stay ahead of the technology curve and successfully embrace change.