The newest decade has seen a mind-boggling progression in technology that has influenced or shaped almost all areas of our lives. Work is an integral part of our existence, and we can’t deny the technological advancements that organizations apply to improve their processes and create better customer satisfaction.
But how do you create a tech-savvy workforce? How do you build a workforce that is well-versed in technology and applies it to their day-to-day processes?
While there are no hard and fast rules for this since the amount of technological adaptation depends on the industry and type of operations, there are a few basic steps that all organizations can take. Let’s take a look.
Foster the culture of continuous learning
Providing regular training and opportunities for your employees to learn about new technologies and important trends in your industry is a great way to foster a culture of continuous learning. These activities should cover the latest tech tools and trends relevant to your product and industry. This knowledge will allow your employees to continuously come up with creative ideas and solutions, and contribute to faster organizational growth.
Recognize and reward technological excellence
Recognize and reward employees when they achieve an organizational goal using technology or streamline a process using technological solutions. The reward makes them feel appreciated and creates the belief that the company prefers technological advancements. If you’re looking for better employee of the month ideas, you could add an award that recognizes the best technological excellence of the month.
Promote a culture of innovation
Encourage your employees to innovate. Ask them to come up with new ideas that can propel your organization’s progress. This will create a culture of innovation in your company, and help it stay ahead of its competitors. Allow them to have a side project which they can benefit from. This will make your employees feel more connected to the company and encourage them to work harder for success. They will also practice their creativity more and benefit your company in the long run.
Provide access to various technological tools
Equip your employees with the latest software and devices important for their work. It keeps them updated on the latest tech-based workplace trends and enhances their productivity. It also helps attract and retain top talents.
These tools can be the latest computer with good processors, the latest design software, or even a better version of a data analysis tool.
Allow Flexible Work Hours
Flexibility or flextime helps to attract tech-savvy talents who want a good work-life balance. This means letting employee’s work from home sometimes or giving them the option to choose their work hours. It helps them manage their work and personal lives better. As they have a better grasp on their stress, they also tend to be happier and more productive at work. Technology has made working from home easier than ever. You only need a few tools, such as a cloud workplace, an instant messaging app, and video call software, and you’re good to go.
Encourage data-driven decision-making
Encourage your employees to make data-driven decisions. Teach them how to collect and analyze information using software so that they can make the most optimum and accurate decisions for achieving organizational goals. Facts and data always lead to accurate predictions and forecasting and give you an edge against competitors.
Introduce data analytics and analysis software and train your employees to use them. Quarterly workshops are also a good way to tackle this.
Create cybersecurity awareness
Cybersecurity is nothing but keeping the company’s data safe. As thousands of cyber threats and data breaches take place every day, teaching your employees how to protect their systems online has become mandatory.
Investing in cybersecurity training makes your organization stronger, and lowers the chance of expensive security problems. It also instills trust among your employees because they know that their sensitive personal data is safe in your systems.
Arrange 360-degree appraisals
The market is getting more competitive, and feedback and evaluations at the workplace are important for the growth of your workforce. A proper, 360-degree appraisal from a supervisor allows your employees to work on their weaknesses and further hone their strengths. This also makes them feel appreciated because they can grow professionally based on the feedback from their supervisors and peers.
To create a tech-enabled appraisal system, you can use a 360-degree appraisal platform or software and also conduct digital surveys. The data obtained through digital appraisal processes is much faster and can give you the desired analysis against the set benchmark.
Arrange coaching and one-to-one mentorship programs
Setting up mentorship and coaching programs can connect your tech-savvy employees with more experienced mentors who can help them improve their skills and advance in their careers. This practice builds a sense of community and learning in your company and helps attract better talents.
You can also offer department-specific mentorship and coaching programs alongside company-wide ones.
Foster teamwork
Encourage Teamwork. Create cross-functional teams for special projects or even weekly brainstorming sessions. The practice leads to fresh ideas, better problem-solving, and stronger teamwork. It breaks down barriers between departments and creates a culture where employees are collaborative and team players.
Helping your employees adapt to new technological processes can be a time-consuming job. The key is to determine how much change you want to incorporate and map it out. Communicate your expectations with your team to ensure you’re on the same page. Adapting to this digital era will not only make your organisation agile but also will increase profitability and customer retention.
