The role of IT training in creating a more resilient business

There are few places where the saying ‘change is the only constant’ is more apt than in the technology industry. And while innovation helps your business be more efficient, more collaborative, more connected and more productive, technology is only as good as the people who use it. Any friction or hesitation around your software, platforms or IT tools can be a hindrance, rather than a help. 

Which is why good process around IT on-boarding (induction) and training is so important.  

Not everyone feels comfortable embracing change, and employees come with different levels of technological maturity, but with knowledge and support comes confidence. And at a time where more businesses are operating remotely, knowing that your staff are empowered with the knowledge they need to efficiently, confidently and securely access and use your systems can make all the difference to your ability to operate business-as-usual during disruptions such as lockdown restrictions. 

Here’s more on why good training and up-to-date IT documentation matters: 

1. Productivity 
   Technology is there to enable your employees to do their job with greater ease and efficiency. That only happens though when they know how to get the most out of the tools they’re using. Understanding how to use functionality, integrations and collaboration tools to their advantage will mean your team spends less time troubleshooting and more time focusing on high-value tasks. 

2. Security 
   If you have team members resistant to change, or struggling to get their head around newly introduced tools, they’ll find their own work-arounds to avoid new processes. While it might still get the job done, it potentially leaves you open to security vulnerabilities, leaves information siloed or inaccessible and disrupts otherwise streamlined workflows of data or processing. 

3. Minimal operational disruption 
   How easily does your team adapt to a sudden change of work environment? We’ve seen firsthand how clients who have taken the time to establish clear induction training and IT usage protocol have found it easier to adapt to remote ways of working. Their teams are easily up and running with minimal downtime or requirements for support. 

Tips for introducing new technology in your business 

• Get employee buy-in by helping them understand the benefits of the new tech, and how it will positively impact the work they do - not just in how it supports business objectives, but also how it will make their own life easier. While it might seem like it adds to their workload initially, if they can understand the pay-off they’ll likely be less resistant. 

• Have a clear roll-out plan for new technology. This might include a pilot programme to iron out any kinks that might otherwise cause hesitation or push-back. Engaging a number of ‘champions’ who can demonstrate support can also help to dispel negativity and promote advantages internally. Build in feedback mechanisms so employees know their concerns or frustrations are being heard. 

• Recognise that your team members will have different learning styles and stages. Training and onboarding may need to be tailored to different levels and learners, and could include a mix of documents, live training, videos and 1:1 support. 

• Create (and keep updated) good documentation or training guides that are accessible to all users. Ensure that IT training is an embedded part of your employee induction process where it’s needed. 

• Offer approachable, accessible on-going support. If your employees feel comfortable calling on support desk help when they need it, you’ll reduce downtime, inefficiencies and errors, help ensure your team stays productive, and keep your systems secure. 

And lastly, call in the right resource to support you. If you need a hand implementing new technology in your business, or if you think your workforce could benefit from better IT training and implementation, we can help. Our experience with managing projects, introducing new technology and supporting end users means we know what it takes to keep friction and disruption to a minimum. Get in touch with Brightly to find out more about our IT training and service desk support.