Implementing new technology such as SaaS, ERPs, Mobile, Cloud technologies, etc., in an organization can greatly help to increase employee productivity. However, to achieve a good return on investment, and higher productivity, it is vital that all employees in the organization can effectively use the new technology. Having the “best technology” is worth nothing if no one uses it and is unable to capitalize on its provided value.

While most companies formulate plans on implementing transformational and leading technologies, detailed user adoption plans almost always are put in the back seat. In fact, It is quite common that most organizational efforts to adopt technology changes take longer, and cost more money than initially anticipated by leaders and managers. According to research from McKinsey and Company, approximately 70% of all adoption of new technology transformations fail [1]. Especially when users perceive new technology as being disruptive to their daily routine, it is far more likely to result in frustration and resistance [2].

Below are 4 tips on how to help your company effectively adopt new technology:

1. Ensure leadership is engaged and supportive

Successful technology adoption requires engaged and supportive leadership throughout an organization’s hierarchy. Managers who are invested in the success and wellbeing of their teams are focused on improving processes. It is important to engage all relevant stakeholders, including customers, to ensure they are well represented and onboard with the project plan. Leaders should raise stakeholder concerns and assumptions to be challenged and critically discussed openly to validate the viability of all proposed ideas. Users are more likely to welcome, rather than resist, the adoption of new technology when they are involved, consulted, and made aware (through consistent progress updates) of the new technology.

2. Consistent communication on updates and progress

Consistent communication is one of the most important ways to maximize the chances of the adoption of new technology. Consistent communication ensures that all the stakeholders are actively engaged throughout the implementation process. Ensure consistent feedback and documentation from the team of developers to other stakeholders using demos, training, and feedback loops that prioritize important user requests. This way, the technology adoption will avoid siloed approaches that are likely to result in gaps, overlaps in functionality, and other inefficacies caused by malaligned teams.

3. Integrate change management into the project plan

Large sweeping changes can be disruptive as they catch users off guard and might require steep learning curves. Instead, technology adoption should be broken down into small steps that are manageable and measurable. A “Bite-sized” approach towards technological changes should be preferred over “big bang” changes [3]. Big changes should be deconstructed into small and consistent changes that can be integrated into daily habits and routines. When used correctly, companies can continuously measure their progress towards achieving desired outcomes, learn from findings, and evolve through constant tweaking of adoption processes through minor modifications. Breaking technology adoption into small steps with a synchronized combination of cues, nudges, and suggestions, together with targeted rewards and recognition system will minimize resistance, increase adoption, and increase the chances of project success.

4. Emphasize a “learning by doing” methodology

An experiential learning cycle, when applied to new technology implementations, allows users to gain hands-on experience with the technology whilst assimilating and accommodating divergent views [4]. Technology is only as useful as its adoption, and its adoption or failure depends on whether it meets the desired goals of the stakeholders. The experiential learning cycle allows the stakeholders to learn by doing as they get to actively test new technology and determine whether it meets their expectations in solving problems. As Benjamin Franklin said, ‘Tell me, and I forget, teach me, and I may remember, involve me, and I learn.’

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*This article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT. The ideas and content are our own, however, the GPT-4 model was used to compile and structure the content.

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