How managers can increase tech uptake among staff

Struggling to get staff on board with the latest technology processes? These tips might help you out.

Technology take-up is nothing new in the Australian business landscape. Every year, we hear of its benefits, specifically when it comes to increasing productivity levels and maintaining a competitive edge.

Despite this, however, there is still some reluctance from employees when it comes to tech uptake.

If you’re facing this uphill battle, the following tips from workspace management software firm OfficeMaps may be useful:

1. Address concerns

“The key to successful tech adoption lies in identifying and addressing potential roadblocks. Is the team tech-savvy or tech anxious? Have you got a change management plan in place? Whatever it is, it’s crucial to acknowledge employee concerns to ensure the adoption process is met with enthusiasm rather than resistance,” OfficeMaps said.

2. Highlight the benefits

“Managers should demonstrate the tangible benefits of office management tech and relate them directly to how they can make life easier for workers,” OfficeMaps said.

“From streamlined workflows to enhanced collaboration, some personal examples of how this new tech helps will improve its chances of being accepted.”

3. Offer training and support

“Equip your team with the right knowledge and skills to effectively use the new technology,” OfficeMaps said.

“Staff need to feel confident and competent before being left to navigate new tech on their own. The technology should also be easy to use, quick for users to adopt with a very low level of training and support, but available if needed.

“There should also be access to help online, within the solution.”

4. Nurture a tech-positive culture

“Create a culture that embraces change and innovation,” OfficeMaps said.

“By fostering an environment where working smarter, not harder, is prioritised, management can cultivate a team that is excited about technology’s potential and actively contributes to its implementation.”

A way to promote tech utilisation within your organisation is to make a concentrated effort to educate staff.

Tech such as artificial intelligence (AI), for example, has the capabilities to make a huge effort in a workspace; however, many remain unsure about using it to their advantage.

As covered by HR Leader recently, XpertHR’s Safeguards for using ChatGPT and other bots for HR report outlined some of the best ways to ensure that safety is practised when using ChatGPT and other AI-powered bots in HR.

According to the report, there are four key areas that need to be recognised and safeguarded when using AI:

1. Bias

AI chatbots like ChatGPT collate information from all across the internet. That means that even the less favourable corners are recognised and used to create a response.

This is why caution needs to be exercised to ensure that no bias is perpetuated through the use of AI in the workplace. If not handled correctly, employers can land in hot water through issues with sexism, racism, and other forms of discrimination.

2. Inaccuracy

Safeguards for dealing with inaccuracies, as listed by XpertHR, are:

• Thoroughly research the chatbot’s capabilities and best uses.
• Set clear parameters for what types of tasks chatbots can be used for.
• Ensure that chatbots are maintained through employee monitoring.
• Require that chatbot outputs be independently verified.
• Prohibit the use of chatbots for advanced research and compliance questions.

3. Cyber security and privacy

According to XpertHR, it’s important to consult with the company IT team to ensure leading practices are followed when utilising AI technology.

“Thoroughly research chatbots before choosing one to ensure it is reputable and uses high-quality data,” it said.

“Do not provide chatbots with personally identifiable information or personal health information [and] implement encryption, authentication and other security systems to prevent the chatbot from being misused.”

4. User error

Human error accounts for 82 per cent of all data breaches, meaning it’s crucial staff are appropriately trained when using AI tech.

“[Employers should] train employees in how chatbots work, AI ethics and relevant policies [and] establish a gradual adoption plan that allows employees time to understand their new partner,” XpertHR said.