Lack of change management is the biggest risk factor for IT projects
So you've recently implemented a new digital workplace, or you’re planning to do so. That’s great! But how do you convince your employees to embrace the new solution?
It sounds simple – just use the tools, right? But in daily practice, it’s more difficult than that. Many IT managers also struggle to find an approach that works. They focus on rolling out the solution on time and within budget, which is of course understandable.
But they’re often unprepared for the tough reality check that follows: despite an exciting launch, many employees are happy to go back to their old way of working, or to shadow IT. This may be understandable, but it’s also lethal for any innovation project.
In this digital age, an organization’s success is based on how well its people exchange knowledge and information. The future workplace already provides them with all the technology they need to bring cooperation to a higher level, both within and between departments. But that’s only in theory. The success – and ROI – of digital workplaces is inextricably linked to user adoption.
When IT projects fail to deliver, this is rarely due to the technology, and mostly due to human behaviour. Poor or non-existent change management often lies at the root of this behaviour. This is no different for digital workplaces than it is for ERP or CRM projects, for example. A smart, pragmatic and, most importantly, timely change management plan can prevent a lot of distress.
This blog offers you practical tips and concrete steps that can help IT-managers to significantly increase adoption rates amongst end users. We also explain why IT managers are in the best position to take control of user adoption.
When IT projects fail to deliver, this is rarely due to the technology, and mostly due to human behaviour. Poor or non-existent change management often lies at the root of this behaviour.
This is an excellent opportunity for IT managers to shine!
Digital workplace projects are about changing the way we work – sometimes radically. And although technology is obviously key, the people who actually use it are the most important aspect of these projects. Because no matter how you look at it, without dedicated users a great tool is nothing but an empty shell.
IT is expected to take care of the technology side; everyone agrees on that. But IT managers can also play a key role when it comes to user adoption, which is often overlooked.
These are some of the reasons why IT managers can – and indeed should – play a crucial role:
- Reducing the gap between IT and the business
Implementing a digital workplace is not an IT project, but an improvement project with strategic business objectives. IT is mainly an enabler in this context. Assessing the importance of user adoption correctly – and taking responsibility for it – shows that you are close to the business. - Thinking of yourself as the CIO of the future and building bridges
The roll-out of a digital workplace tends to have many sponsors, from HR to communication. Someone has to be the linchpin or link between all these departments, and IT managers are in the best position to take up this role. But there’s more. By reaching out to the other sponsors, you show that you are a visionary CIO, who can bridge the gap between different stakeholders in the organization.
IT is expected to take care of the technology side; everyone agrees on that. But IT managers can also play a key role when it comes to user adoption, which is often overlooked.
- Expanding the budget for the digital workplace
IT budgets usually leave little room for change management. But digital workplace projects are business projects, not IT projects. So it's only logical that part of the budget should come from the other stakeholders involved, such as HR and communication. - Taking on a proactive and more strategic role
People often think of IT as being stuck in a reactive comfort zone. Coming up with a smart and pragmatic change management plan in a timely manner means breaking out of this comfort zone and adopting a proactive stance. This also demonstrates your strategic value.
In our next blog post we share 8 concrete tips that will help you significantly increase adoption amongst your end users. Interested? Keep reading.
More tips? Download our free guide for decision makers.
