7 Ways to Reduce Resistance to New Technology

It comes as no surprise that many workers fear and resist change in the workplace. We all get used to doing things in a particular way and the more comfortable we are with the way things are going, the more we resist altering the status quo. In the ever-changing world of new technologies and new innovations in the construction industry, workers and managers can be fearful of changes. In order to help managers and supervisors motivate their staff and reduce their fears of technological change, here are 7 tips and techniques:

1. Remove the Unknown

There is nothing more frustrating for a person than being blindsided by a major change. Managers need to be as open and honest about any upcoming changes as soon as it is possible. Not every change can be immediately revealed, but when there is impending change, it is essential to keep your workers in the loop. The more people feel like you are doing all you can to keep them in the know, the more they will be willing to accept the change, whether it is implementing a new software or changing how day-to-day operations are executed. The primary reason people fear change is because they fear the unknown. If you can remove the unknown, you are working to eliminating the fear.

2. Cast a Vision

When changes are impending, and you’ve been open and honest about those changes, help your workers see what those changes will be, why those changes are being made, and most importantly, how they will benefit from those changes. If people can see how new technologies and new innovations will make their jobs and their lives better, they will be far more willing to “buy-in” to the changes. Cast a vision for how their work is enhanced with these new changes. Be optimistic about those changes yourself. If you show confidence and enthusiasm towards these potential changes, your staff will feel more comfortable and accepting.

3. Cultivate a Workplace of Change

Be proactive in cultivating a workplace where people are expected to grow and learn new skills. If you challenge your workers with new ideas and new skills on a regular basis, they will learn to handle change. In fact, they will become quite comfortable with change. Change will no longer be something to fear. Furthermore by creating a culture of innovation and improvement, your will have workers will be more knowledgeable, skilled and open to changes.

4. Train and Equip

If you have cultivated a workplace of training, your workers will be ready for changes. When changes are enacted, you must provide your workers with the proper training to handle those challenges and new technologies. When the changes are announced, be ready to implement a training program which will equip your workers to handle whatever new technology is being introduced. The key here is to remove the unknown and give your workers confidence. If your workers trust that you will enable them to be successful with the new changes, they will not be resistant to the changes.

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5. Make the Time

Along with the plan for training, make sure you allow enough time for your workers to adapt. This will depend on how radical the change is. But the larger the change, the more time people will need to adjust. When you communicate the changes to your workers, be sure to include a timeline. When will the training occur? How long will be given to complete the training? When will the changes be implemented? Answering these questions can alleviate a large amount of stress, and allows you to better plan for the future.

6. Allow Two-Way Communication

During the process of implementing these technologies and techniques, allow your workers the opportunities to get involved in the process. Encourage feedback regarding the new technology’s deployment, but only after you’ve cast the vision and set forth all the information. You do not want a series of complaints or criticisms, but rather constructive feedback that can help improve how your company gets work done. By allowing this, your workers feel as though their opinion matters, and that you as their manager cares about their personal productivity. If people feel like their input if valued, it will help develop a trusting relationship. When workers trust a supervisor they are more willing to accept changes.

7. Supportive Management

Upper management will need to make sure that middle managers have fully bought into the changes. Nothing will sabotage change more than a team that is not on the same page. You need managers that are dedicated and committed to the new technologies and have confidence that it will help, and not hinder a given company. Like the training and information you will be offering your workers, you will need to apply these same steps in equipping to your managers. Discover the 5 qualities of an effective project manager here.

Final Thoughts

Following these simple tips and techniques can help your company weather any change. In today’s day and age, technological change is not only unavoidable, it is integral in ensuring your construction company stays current and competitive. Change in all organizations is inevitable, and having an effective plan in place guarantees everyone is ready and willing to help your company succeed.