Adapting to new technology in the workplace: why is this important?

If you’re met with resistance or hesitation when you introduce a new technology to your team, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Adapting to new technology in the workplace can improve your team’s efficiency and contribute to a company’s strategic goals. It’s essential to know some ways you can motivate your employees to stay up-to-date on new technical skills.

In this article, we’ll go over:

• Why it’s important to adapt to new technology in the workplace

• 5 tips for helping employees learn new digital tools

• Strategies you can use to motivate employees and keep them engaged

Why is it important to adapt to new technology?

Technology is an essential part of any modern workplace. At times, however, it can seem nearly impossible to stay updated on emerging technologies, especially when you’re managing a team and handling a large workload.

While it takes time and effort to stay up-to-date on new digital tools, doing so benefits your personal productivity, your team’s growth, and your company’s business goals. Specifically, adapting to new technology in the workplace can have the following benefits:

• It can boost your efficiency. Many new technologies can actually make your job easier once you learn how to use them. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) can have many practical applications in the workplace, from writing emails to transcribing notes to scheduling meetings.

• It can help you to engage with your team. You can use new tools to stay connected and engaged with your team members. You might use project management software to track their progress, or stay in touch with remote employees through communication apps.

• It can improve a team’s productivity. When team members know how to use technology, they can improve their productivity and achieve shared goals more quickly. A customer service team, for example, can benefit from technologies that automate certain processes, such as collecting customer feedback.

• It can empower employees’ growth. By giving your team the right tools, adapting to new technology in the workplace will empower their professional growth and development. They can learn new skills to broaden their knowledge, which can minimize skills gaps within a team.

• It can help a company stay competitive. Technology is a key part of staying competitive in today’s marketplace. A company can use new technologies to streamline operations and develop innovative solutions to meet consumer demand.

How to help employees adapt to new technology in the workplace

With all these benefits, it’s worth helping your employees adapt to new technology in the workplace. Below  are four tips for motivating your team to learn new tools:

1. Learn the technology first

When you know how to use a new technology, you can more easily teach it to others. Become familiar with the tool before you present it to your team. Read online articles and watch how-to videos to teach yourself how to use the technology. If necessary, you can take a class or attend a workshop to improve your knowledge. Once you’re familiar with the technology, you’ll have a good foundation for explaining it to your team.

2. Explain why it’s important

If you want buy-in from your team on a new technology, you must help them understand why it’s important. Without communicating the benefits, a team might resist learning a new tool, especially if it will take time away from their other duties. When you introduce a new technology to your team, be transparent about the ways the tool can improve their workflows or boost their productivity. When they know what’s in it for them, they’re more likely to respond with enthusiasm.

3. Identify the tech experts

Some people pick up new tools quicker than others, often because they have a natural aptitude or interest in technology. Identify the tech experts on your team and take advantage of their knowledge. Ask them to learn a new technology before the rest of the team so they have an in-depth understanding when you introduce it to others. These team members can answer questions and provide support to their co-workers. Essentially, they can serve as mentors.

4. Provide training

You can’t expect your team to learn new technologies if you don’t give them the tools and resources to do so. Provide training to allow team members to become comfortable. Don’t expect one training session to be enough, however, especially if it’s a complex tool. Instead, schedule short training sessions to allow employees to digest new information at a reasonable pace. It’s also helpful to make the training engaging and interactive so employees have fun. 

5. Celebrate their success

You can keep your team motivated to continue learning new technologies by celebrating their successes along the way. Create a culture where employees feel rewarded and valued for their efforts. In this type of environment, teams are more likely to continue adapting to new technologies in the future.

To celebrate employees who successfully learn new technology,  you can acknowledge them in team meetings or highlight them in internal communications, like an employee newsletter. Start a formal employee recognition program and give them a performance bonus. You might also provide them with additional development opportunities.

Do you want to get better at adapting to new technology in the workplace? Use Career.io’s career coaching service to work with a personal expert on your professional development goals!

Key takeaways

1. Adapting to new technology in the workplace can have benefits for team productivity and company objectives.

2. You can help your team become comfortable with new tools by explaining the benefits and providing opportunities for training.

3. Celebrate your employees’ success as they become better at using new digital tools.