Digitalization: how do I bring all my employees with me?

A question of generation

Sooner or later, every business is confronted with advancing digitalization and starts asking which processes can be digitalized and, with that, often sped up and improved. The change processes that come with it  usually trigger mainly positive reactions among younger employees. Switching from analogue to digital processes is not hard for them, because technology and digitalization have been with them since childhood. Smartphones, laptops and smart home applications are a natural part of their everyday life and in use every day. Changing over to digital processes at work usually causes them little difficulty either and is quickly taken on board.

But what about older employees who grew up in an analogue world and for whom digital processes are often still new territory?

Here it is important not to lose sight of this group of employees during digitalization. Because digitalization can simplify many processes in a business and make them clearer. That only works, however, if all employees are brought along and nobody is left out. When processes are redesigned digitally, every employee should be involved and introduced to the new arrangements in line with what they already know. That is the only way to make sure the change meets with general approval in the business and is accepted. Remember: digitalization should not create fears, it should be a pleasure and make work easier!

All or nothing? The mistake business owners make most often

We hear again and again that businesses make one mistake above all: assuming they have to switch to digital processes as quickly as possible, they try to make everything in the business digital in one go. They are often tempted by offers from companies promising a quick entry into a digital world – frequently tied to highly complex software solutions. These innovative offers usually look very attractive and promise major change in no time at all, but they are often anything but intuitive to use. Many employees struggle with the change, feel ambushed by the sheer number of changes and are often left behind. The result can be resistance and a worsening working atmosphere.

Do not make the same mistakes

Our recommendation for a lasting and successful switch to digital processes: go step by step. Instead of setting an abrupt changeover in motion, you should digitalize one analogue process after another. Only once the new process has been taken on board and all employees are familiar with it should you tackle the next one. Give your employees enough time and opportunity to get to know the new arrangements. That way you make sure all employees are on board and willing to engage with the changes.
Because let us be honest: what would be the advantage of a highly complex digital business whose employees are overwhelmed and negative about every change? In most cases the disadvantages would outweigh the benefits.

Whether you tackle the digital transformation on your own or bring in the expertise of specialists is your own decision. A first step into your company's digital future could be switching to digital time and project tracking, as clockin makes possible. Save not only valuable time but a lot of paperwork as well! We would be happy to show you how intuitive clockin is to use in a no-obligation consultation.

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