The emergence of digital technologies has provided us with fantastic new resources, but it has also introduced a worrying new strain. The widespread use of cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered apps, and other forms of digital technology in the workplace has the potential to significantly boost efficiency and productivity. However, they may do so at the expense of a harmonious working environment.
Are we accepting a less human workplace by embracing the shift to a digital one? That could happen, but it depends on how the organization’s leaders approach digital transformation.
The Prevalence of Tech-Centered Strategies Is Excessive
Many businesses today use digitalization in a way that doesn’t prioritise the workers’ needs and interests. Essentially, they’ve taken a tech-centric approach as opposed to a human-centric one, which usually leads to confusion and frustration as workers struggle to understand new tools. Establishing a digital workplace that improves productivity and morale requires a new strategy from most companies.
The stress that digital transformation creates in the workplace requires deliberate action to alleviate. Employees should feel supported by digital tools, not overwhelmed by them. Success can’t be cultivated through the use of merely technological strategies. Human resource plans are essential.
Key ideas for balancing business requirements with employee expectations are outlined below for leadership’s perusal.
Safeguarding the Employee Context
The goal of consolidation and cost savings will be thwarted if the employee experience is neglected in favour of technological advancements. Increasing software adoption is not the end goal of technological innovation. The goal is to provide a service that people enjoy using, which in turn increases their productivity at work.
It’s crucial that cutting-edge resources adapt to the needs of their users. Take a look at your phone to see the potential risk of mandating yet another app for your staff to use. Just how many of your apps do you never open? How many do you own but have completely lost track of?
The best solution is to improve the tools already in use by the workforce. New tools can boost productivity without negatively impacting the user experience if you deploy them in an environment where they are already used, such as a messaging platform like Slack.
In order to truly meet people where they are, you must first know where they are. Because of this, compassion can now be factored in. Take the time to understand the problem as it is experienced by workers before implementing a new solution. Research done beforehand increases the likelihood that a technology will be used after it has been implemented.
Put the Order on Hold
When implementing new digital tools, most businesses begin by evaluating available software. After settling on one, they put it into action and start gauging its performance in their specific context. Following this, it is usually modified to accommodate the human resources needs of the company.
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The process would benefit from a switch in order. An organization’s new tools are more likely to be adopted and used to their full potential if they first take the time to learn about and understand the requirements of their staff. Delaying implementation eliminates the need for retrofitting and the costs that come with it.
Providing employees with cutting-edge tools is only the beginning of what it takes to create engaging digital experiences for them. It calls for knowledge of the information that drives choices involving people. Humanizing the workplace requires information from the people who will be using the technology.
Include Value Proclamations in Implementation
Values in the workplace can be very effective. They help you make choices that affect your future. Employees are drawn to them and should remain inspired and invested in their work thanks to them. Don’t let your principles take a back seat to the practicalities of deploying new technology. Especially if the new procedure calls for increased input from workers, it is important that they perceive some benefit from it.
People are more likely to adopt a novel procedure if they view it as something they “get to” do, rather than something they “have to” do. An improved work environment can be achieved through any means that promotes the company’s core values. So, explain to workers how the introduction of cutting-edge tech will result in greater success for the business.
Don’t Put It On Technology
Companies often point the finger at the technology when their investments in it fail to bear fruit. However, the majority of the time, they are being unfairly criticised. It’s more likely that the procedure used to roll out the technology is at the root of the issue.
Understanding the dynamics of a team is the first step in human-centered design. Organizations can better define what is required to provide a better employee experience by investigating employees’ work habits and environments. They are able to design with empathy and deliver an effective product that also makes their work more humane.