We live in a time where digital technologies hold the key to reshaping the future success of many industries, from business management to customer experiences. However, employees often resist digital transformation, which is a common challenge for executives. Let’s dive into the why and how to solve this issue.
Why resist digitalization?
The risk of digital transformation is the biggest concern for executive leaders in 2019. In fact, 70% of all digital transformation initiatives do not reach their goals2.
New technologies promise efficiency gains and better customer experience. However, employees’ unwillingness to change and poor organizational practices lead to an unsuccessful transformation. Before trying to overcome resistance, leaders need to understand the causes of it.
Fear of losing status or job security
Employees do not like the idea that Artificial Intelligence (AI) or bots will now do their work instead of them. The fear that new technologies will threaten their jobs causes employees to consciously or unconsciously resist digital transformation.
Fear of failure
New technology usage also means new digital skills are needed to accelerate change. It comes with formal training and practice. For instance, as discussed in a previous blog, 72% of finance hiring managers expect an increasing digital competency gap in the next three years which exacerbates the inability to take advantage of digital investment.
However, many organizations fail to roll out good planning for training and have high expectations of the new solution. As a result, employees feel pressure to perform with a completely new tool that they do not know how to control yet.
The digital tools do not prove their efficiency
While the promised benefits of new digital solutions have not yet materialized, employees still spend a lot of time intervening. For example, many organizations adopted RPA to automate tasks in customer service, HR, and finance. Unfortunately, most RPA implementations automate stand-alone tasks and still require humans to operate bots to complete a simple process. Digital tools that do not meet up with their promised benefits will cause employees to resist digital transformation n or not open up to future solutions.
Not able to see the bigger picture
Aiming to boost organizational performance through digital technologies, executives often focus on a specific technology. For instance, they think the organization needs to make use of AI services or machine learning strategies. However, achievable goals, expectations, and execution plans are crucial elements for leaders to consider before deciding which digital tools they should adopt. Thus, the lack of envisioning from leaders would lead employees to get frustrated easily with obstacles during the transition.
Overcoming the resistance
The reasons for resistance to digital transformation are enough said. Let’s look at how business leaders can overcome these challenges.
Digital transformation is not about the technology.
Moving away from the technology-focused mindset is necessary because any organizational transformation can only work alongside the human workforce. Employee experience and customer experience are what we should try to enhance. No single technology will be able to bring outstanding performance. Hence, the combination of human and digital workforce needs to come hand in hand. Technology is there to make our lives easier in the end.
The right digital strategy for your organization
Having the organizational goal set right often lays a good foundation for the right digital strategy. For instance, simple RPA bots that operate stand-alone tasks can be efficient for a mid-size organization. Tools that allow employees to do what they do best will enhance their productivity and satisfaction.
Motivate employees to move along in the right direction
Leaders need to acknowledge employees’ fears over job security and failure. Thus, emphasizing that digital transformation is an opportunity for employees to expand their expertise for the future can be a way to motivate them. Similarly, focusing on their personal development goals is another way. Figuring out with them what they enjoy doing and what they can do best for the company. Employees’ strengths need to match with elements of the digital transformation. When the employees recognize the new technologies will expand their performance even further, they will feel more secure and open.
Communicate the bigger picture
Communicating with employees and getting them involved in the whole transition process will help them see the benefits. Everyone should know where the business is moving toward, and his or her place is in that bigger picture.
Conclusion
To conclude, accelerating digital transformation will be achieved when leaders focus on changing the mindset of the employees alongside the organizational culture and practices. The right strategy implemented in advance will help leaders to choose a suitable digital tool. Most importantly, an inclusive culture with all members looking in the same direction will eliminate resistance to digitalization.
