The Biggest Obstacle with New Technology

For small business owners and technology users, integrating new technology can seem daunting. Some people resist the idea of learning something new, and it's not uncommon to hear employees say, "We already have a system that works." Of course you already have a system — it's a question of whether that system works well, or whether it can be improved.

Employee Buy-In

Even more than fear of new technology, the biggest challenge for many large corporations is employee attitudes about change. Fourty-four percent of CEOs cite employee resistance to change as their top obstacle in adapting new technology.

Drop the Decision to Adopt New Technology on Employees in an Email.

Many large corporations deliver major changes to employees with an email to their supervisors, followed by a condensed version to their subordinates. This does nothing to address employees' feelings of being undervalued or their anxiety about performing well with the new technology.

Talk To Employees.

Employees should be given time to "soak in" the new change. As you shop around for new document management software, use information from customer service representatives to highlight the top benefits. Whether it is via formal meetings or informal talks with employees, ask them about their frustrations. If you have more than 10 employees, a quick survey might serve better. Listen to what is preventing them from excelling at their job. Whether it is lack of education or training, too many tasks for the time allotted, no one to back them up during a busy time or vacation vacancies, a good document management system can help improve this situation. Equipping employees with the tools they need to excel is sometimes the best motivation you can offer.

Educate Employees.

Taking the time to educate your workers (or reminding yourself) about each piece of technology and how it will eventually ease everyone's workload will increase employee buy-in.