Devan Moonsamy 

Adopting to change is never a breeze. There is always hesitation and tension from staff members needing to do things differently from what they are used to. Whether it’s a new printing machine or a system update, it never gets embraced by the team without glitches. It goes without saying that when new technology is implemented in the work place there must be training administered to ensure everyone understands what the new system does.

The reality is our team members are accustomed to the way things are done. There is seldom a celebration around innovative new technology. When we do introduce new technology or systems in the workplace there is a very slim chance that the team members will get a hang of it in a matter of days. Some of the team members who are tech savvy might explode with excitement around the new gadgets, but others who are still familiarising themselves with the cool features on WhatsApp might take time to adopt the new technology. 

This doesn’t mean they will never accept new technology. This just means they would take more time to adjust and embrace new technology. There are some that see the value in adopting to change but there will be those that won’t take to it as easy as others. 

Instead of having the mindset that I am management so whatever I say goes, rather try to create an environment where your staff sees the same benefits you see in improving the operations system. The change must not just be something that will make your work easy but also be the reason for other team members to feel determined to come to the workplace. 

Here are 4 ways to ensure staff embrace the new technology or system being implemented in the office.

  • Start by giving everyone a heads up. Inform the team of the new and innovative change you wish to implement and explain how the change will make work better. Align them with your vision and identify the benefits. Give them as much information around this new piece of technology so that they can prepare and anticipate how they can adjust to the new tools. 
  • Identify influencers in different departments. Negativity can spread quickly and this will not do well when we need to engage the team to react positively to the new technology. Once we identify people in each department to be advocates for the new technology, they will play a huge role in trying to influence those hesitant to the change to see things differently. 
  • When the system is ready to go, host and exciting and creative launch. Ensure there is a hype around the product or system. This way the team will be in awe at the benefits and feel motivated to apply it to their day to day. Perhaps have a lunch or even a launch party. Make it fun and interactive so the team feels determined to be part of this change that will see their work being made easy. 
  • Adopt different training styles for the new equipment of system. Some people might take longer than others to embrace and learn the new technology. This doesn’t mean they don’t like it. It just means they have different learning styles. This could be a reason for their hesitation to the new idea.  
  • Try to circulate educational videos and even step by step guides to help the team familiarise themselves with what to do. No one wants to keep asking another colleague for help. This will make them feel inadequate. Rather have a step-by-step guide accessible to all staff to avoid any awkwardness.

Devan Moonsamy is the CEO of ICHAF Training Institute, a South African Corporate Training Provider & National Learning Institute. He is the author of Racism, Classism, Sexism, And The Other ISMs That Divide Us, AND My Leadership Legacy Journal available from the ICHAF Training Institute. 

The ICHAF Training Institute offers SETA-approved training in business skills, computer use, and soft skills. Devan specialises in conflict and diversity management, and regularly conducts seminars on these issues for corporates. To book a seminar with Devan or for other training courses, please use the contact details below.

Tel: 011 262 2461 | 083 303 9159 |

Email: admin@ichaftraining.co.za devan@ichaftraining.co.za |  Website: www.ichaftraining.co.za |  www.devan-moonsamy.com