The past few years have been transformative on a global scale. From pandemic-related shifts in work environments and staffing to economic challenges and the “Great Resignation,” the employment market has been flipped on its head. Skilled employees are leaving jobs for new opportunities, while many employers are seeking innovative ways to attract and retain talent.
For many research organizations, the key to attracting and retaining talent lies in the right technology, implemented in the right way at the right time.
Why is technology the key to employee satisfaction?
According to The Guardian, 72% of workers said they were frustrated by the poor quality or lack of business technology at their organization, and 48% said they are considering leaving their job within six months as a result.
Technology helps employees find job satisfaction by creating:
- More collaboration and connections. Technology helps teams engage with one another, collaborate on projects, and build a sense of shared culture, regardless of location.
- More support. Tools like automated checklists, quality assurance, and process automation can systematize and simplify everyday tasks, making work less tedious and more enjoyable.
- More flexibility. Cloud-based platforms allow employees to be far more flexible with when, where, and how they work.
- Less busywork. Technology can reduce the amount of time spent on manual, tedious tasks so employees can reallocate their time toward more strategic initiatives.
- Less error and frustration. Humans are not perfect, which means errors can, and will, occur. Technology can reduce the potential for errors and the frustration that inevitably comes with them.
According to a recent PwC study, “90% of C-suite executives believe their company pays attention to people’s needs when introducing new technology, but only about half (53%) of staff say the same.” Although the right technology can be a boon to employee satisfaction, it can have the opposite effect if the wrong technology is chosen, or even if the right technology is implemented poorly.
What are the challenges of investing in new technology?
While the ROI of implementing useful technology is enormous, getting there can be arduous. Selecting the best solution for your organization’s current and future needs can be a time-consuming process across a variety of stakeholders. Thoroughly evaluating the chosen solution will ensure you and your team have better awareness and confidence in the features and functionality you are getting.
After you select a new technology for adoption, the next step is implementation. Data integrations can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with the complexities of transferring data from legacy systems to a new platform. It’s important to work with a technology partner who understands your needs and can guide you through the process. At Cayuse, for example, we partner with our customers to ensure on-time and satisfactory implementations.
Training is also crucial to any new technology implementation. Effective training programs should include not only basic instructions for using the solution, but also change management, workflow updates, and even culture shifts.
What can organizations do to ensure a smooth transition and maximum ROI?
Here are a few approaches that help companies transition to new tech systems more seamlessly:
- Share the what, why, and how. Communication is essential in any change scenario, including the adoption of new technology. Make sure employees know what solution will be implemented, why that technology is needed, why you chose that specific solution, and how it will support the team going forward.
- Seek employee feedback. Employees are more likely to embrace new technology when they feel heard and included in the decision process. Be sure to seek that feedback by asking about their concerns, questions, and areas of opportunities or support that they would like to see the new solution bolster.
- Create a space where failure is okay. There will be a learning curve with any new technology solution. You’ll want to create an environment that welcomes questions and accepts the learning process.
- Use incentives. We are never too old for recognition and rewards. Consider offering rewards for technology adoption to increase engagement and create a positive experience around the new technology.
At Cayuse, we understand that a smooth implementation is crucial for ensuring our customers are satisfied with their purchase. Just ask Mark Douse, Director of the Office for Research Committee Support at the University of Colorado Denver, who offered his remarks on Cayuse’s quick implementation of the university’s new research platform: “We especially appreciate [Cayuse’s] solution implementation – it was fast and well-supported. They had it up and running quickly, which exceeded our expectations.”
