When companies try to introduce a new software platform to their teams, they often encounter employee resistance. Even though the new tool could eventually improve how the company works, some employees see it as just another thing they must learn that will disrupt their current workflow.
In this article, we are sharing some proven strategies to help get your team excited about implementing a new software platform.
Involve Team Members in the Decision-Making Process
To get your team members excited about change, involve them in the decision-making process. Companies run the risk of selecting software tools based on the value they provide to decision makers but can fail to take into account the user experience.
Here are some ways that you can involve them in the process:
Conduct interviews or surveys to identify specific pain points and needs of each department (and then prioritize features that meet those pain points).
Invite vendors to provide demonstrations, allowing team members to ask questions and provide feedback based on their unique use cases.
Select a few software options and conduct pilot tests with a subset of the team. Gather feedback on usability, customization, integration, and overall user experience.
Seeking the team’s input during the software selection and implementation process helps them feel valued, empowering them to take ownership of the transition.
Form a Team of Advocates
To help reduce employee resistance to a new software platform, consider forming a cross-functional team comprising representatives from different departments to act as advocates for the new software platform.
Select individuals from different departments who have a good understanding of their department's needs, workflows, and challenges. Aim for a diverse mix of skills and perspectives.
Schedule regular meetings for the cross-functional team to discuss progress, address challenges, and share updates. These meetings provide a platform for open dialogue, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Invite team members to become advocates for the new software platform by providing them with the necessary resources, training, and information to effectively promote the benefits and address concerns.
Encourage team members to document and share best practices related to the software platform implementation. This knowledge sharing ensures that lessons learned and successful strategies can be replicated across departments.
Lead with What’s in It for Them
When introducing a new software platform to employees, it is crucial to lead with what's in it for them individually. Team members are more likely to embrace change if they understand how the new tool can directly benefit their job performance and make their work easier or more efficient.
Highlight the specific features and functionalities of the software that can streamline their tasks, automate repetitive processes, or enhance their skills.
Share success stories of how the platform has improved the job performance of others, either within the organization or at other companies.
Conduct user-focused demonstrations that showcase the software's features and how they directly benefit users in their daily tasks. Highlight time-saving capabilities, improved efficiency, automation of repetitive tasks, or simplified workflows.
Provide before-and-after scenarios to illustrate the positive impact of the software. Show examples of how the software improves accuracy, reduces errors, or eliminates manual data entry.
Emphasizing these personal advantages makes employees more motivated and willing to embrace the change.
Make the Transition Seamless
To help employees feel less resistant to change, it is vital to make their transition seamless.
Here are some ways to ease the transition:
Offer training sessions and workshops tailored to different employee roles and skill levels. These sessions can provide hands-on training, allowing employees to actively engage with the software and practice using its features in a controlled environment.
Providing comprehensive training materials, such as user guides, FAQs, and video tutorials, also enables employees to access information and resources whenever they need assistance.
Use an in-app digital adoption tool. By offering guided walkthroughs and interactive tutorials, employees can familiarize themselves with the platform's functionalities and features at their own pace.
Use inline help or hover-over hints that provide on-the-spot information about specific elements or functions.
Include an in-context search tool so that users can quickly search topics related to what they are doing. By integrating this in-context support tool seamlessly into the software interface, users can access the information they need in the moment of need, without having to navigate away from their current workflow.
VisualSP is an easy-to-use in-app digital adoption platform that includes guided walkthroughs, context-based search, pop-up videos, and more. Utilizing a tool like this not only saves time but also empowers users to find solutions independently, reducing their reliance on external support channels and promoting self-sufficiency.
Once the new software platform is launched, it is crucial to identify areas for improvement by seeking input from team members. Conduct surveys, hold feedback sessions, and establish feedback channels where employees can freely express their concerns, questions, and suggestions.
This feedback serves as a foundation for targeted support and resources to address any lingering uncertainties.
Conclusion
Prioritizing your employees’ input and continuously improving based on their feedback fosters a culture of collaboration, trust, and continuous learning, ultimately leading to successful adoption and utilization of the new software platform.
At VisualSP, we are passionate about helping your team have a successful experience with a new software tool. Click here to learn more.
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