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5 tips for tackling the generation gap during a digital switchover

Written by MyMobileWorkers

Businesses switch to digital management systems because they provide a better way to get things done - it’s faster, more efficient and less hassle. One of the most common reasons they don’t make the move is a fear of how employees will react.

This fear of change leads to a ‘better the devil you know’ attitude taking hold with companies clinging onto outdated setups. It’s understandable because managing change can be tricky.

Not everyone is going to instantly embrace a new technology. While younger employees have grown up in a digitally connected world, for more senior colleagues it can be viewed with apprehension - as more of a threat than an opportunity.

generation gap digital switchover

So for any organisation making the switch to a digital system, it pays to understand these differences and to plan accordingly. For a full guide check out: What to expect when mobile workers go paper free.

How to tackle the generation gap during a digital switchover:

  1. Phase it in gently
  2. Training is key
  3. Create digital champions
  4. Keep talking
  5. Don't back down

Phase it in gently

Employees become wary of change when they feel they’ll be ‘thrown in at the deep end’; that their traditional ways of working will be stripped away and they will be forced to figure out an entirely new system.

It’s why many companies choose to phase in digital management alongside their existing processes. It creates an acclimatisation period when mobile workers have the safety net of using their old paper-based ways of working.

To be effective, however, a firm deadline must be set for when that safety net is removed. This provides an incentive for workers to use the crossover period to familiarise themselves with the new system.

Training is key

What workers fear most about change is the unknown. It’s the uncertainty caused by facing something they’re unfamiliar with. But these concerns quickly wash away with some basic training and support.

Simply demonstrating and explaining how a digital workforce management system works can dramatically change workers’ perceptions. It lets them see first-hand how simple and intuitive they are to use.

Providing this kind of pre-switch support also helps to make a workforce feel a part of the process - rather than it being something that’s imposed on them from above. The more they know, the less they’ll have to fear.

Create digital champions

Employees who are comfortable and enthusiastic about digital technology can become valuable assets when managing a changeover. A successful strategy use by many businesses is to appoint these people as ‘champions’ to help and support less digital savvy colleagues.

By designating these roles within teams and departments, it helps to make training much more of an organic process with the skills and knowledge being shared horizontally. It also removes the reluctance many employees can feel when it comes to asking for help.

Keep talking

In the early stages of a switchover, there are likely to be some grumbles from employees as they become accustomed to the new way of working. It really pays to make sure that feedback isn’t just ignored.

Whether it’s discussions or a questionnaire, it’s a chance to identify issues and allay any misconceptions before they’re allowed to build. Valid concerns can help fine tune processes to remove any niggles.

By addressing concerns early, you can prevent problems further down the line. Providing a platform for this feedback also helps to make employees feel an active part of the changeover.

Don’t back down

While you should listen to feedback, you also need to guard against ‘pushback’ from employees wishing to revert to their old work methods. Once a deadline has been set for change - it needs to be stuck to.

There has to be a balance between a carrot and stick approach. While everything should be done to support workers, they should also realise that they have a responsibility to use the tools they’re provided with.

In reality, the amount of ‘pushback’ is likely to be minimal as mobile workers start to understand the benefits of more efficient work processes and less paperwork hassles.

MyMobileWorkers has helped dozens of businesses, of all shapes and sizes, to make the switch with minimal fuss or disruption to services. We work alongside the companies to help support and advice throughout the switchover process.

Find out what else you should expect when switching to software in our guide.

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