How to Get Employee Buy-In on Digital Transformation

While the large majority of companies know that digital transformation is the way forward, getting employee buy-in to change the way things have always been done can be difficult. Kayla Matthew shares how you can get your employees on-board with digital transformation. 

The words “digital transformation” often strike fear in the hearts of your employees. They see automation as a potential loss of job security. However, if you highlight the advantages of upgrading technology, you can get employee buy-in. When everyone is on board for digital transformation, productivity and worker engagement soars. 

A recent survey by Forrester indicated 93% of companiesOpens a new window believe they must embrace digital transformation or risk falling behind competitors. Embracing new technology and automating processes makes your business more efficient and allows your employees to be more productive. How do you convince workers and show them the benefits — both to the firm and to their careers?

1. Offer Training

People feel much more engaged at work when they receive opportunities to learn new skills. Teaching them about processes that will help them adapt to job changes shows them you aren’t merely implementing things to replace them. Your goal is to help them become more efficient at their tasks. 

If your worker inputs customer data and you want to automate the process, you should offer training in maintaining the software or shift the worker over to customer relationship outreach. Be upfront about the training and how their occupation might change due to automation. Be sure to stress that they are a valued member of the team and you want to help them adjust to the developments and gain new skills. 

2. Be a Strong Leader

Good leaders have many traits, but not all leaders have the same ones. One key to leading your team into a new era is having a strong presence in the workplace. How can you be a strong leader? Here are a few ways to accomplish that:

• Be Present: If your team sees you learning new technology, they’ll realize the benefits of embracing new software and trends. Be there to answer questions. Check with them and see how they’re feeling about the modifications. Take suggestions from everyone and give them a voice in the metamorphosis.
   
• Learn Key Non-Verbals: There are several physical cuesOpens a new window for being a strong leader, such as standing straight and keeping your arms in an open position to invite dialogue. People will learn to trust you if you make yourself appear as open and honest as you feel.
   
• Be Confident: Know your job so well that you exude confidence. Study on your own time and learn from those who know more than you do on different topics.

Influential leaders aren’t born — they’re created by the skills they develop. Anyone can learn the traits needed to lead with confidence.

3. Make a Case for Digital

As a company authority, you’ve researched a lot about the digital revolution. You understand the advantages of better business intelligence (BI). However, your employees may still wonder to themselves, “What is digital transformation?” Give them the answers:

• Teach: Explain concepts such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and host workshops about how AI impacts your particular industry.
   
• Answer: Encourage workers to ask questions about how things will evolve in the future, and give in-depth answers.
   
• Stay Connected: Short, five-minute standup meetings allow everyone to stay regularly updated without feeling overwhelmed by sudden operational shifts. 

If you explain the benefits of a digital transformation, your workers are much more likely to embrace innovation, which increases employee buy-in.

Learn More: What HR Needs to Do More for Digital TransformationOpens a new window

4. Get Their Input

Since any technological advancements directly impact those doing the job, pull them into the discussion and get their input:

• Try Out Software: Let those who will utilize the new technology try it out. These people are much more likely to be on board if they see how it boosts their productivity.
   
• Ask for Better Solutions: Get input from those assigned to that particular task. The best automation solutions for your business might be different than what you think. 
   
• Reward Higher Productivity: When an individual embraces the change and ups their productivity due to digital adoption, reward them for their efforts. A gift card to a local restaurant or pizza for the entire team goes a long way toward showing your appreciation.

Those who work a specific assignment know what would make it easier and what wouldn’t. Trust their judgment. While you have the ultimate decision on how your company transforms, be open to input from those who do specific tasks.

Learn More: The Auto Industry Needs HR To Complete Digital TransformationOpens a new window

Why Is Your Company Undergoing a Digital Transformation?

Once you know the pros and cons of a digital transformation, you’ll have an easier time communicating the reasons for it to your employees.

Communication is a major part of the conversion. Value input from your workers. Share your insights into how adding automation helps your business grow. Highlight the growth benefits for their future career needs and job security. 

With a plan in place, you’ll soon embrace the newest tech trends.