By Jonathan Sharp, Director, Britannic Technologies
Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic processing automation (RPA) are disrupting the market. Businesses need to take ownership of the change in culture and invest in prioritising their employees’ learning and development, providing them with autonomy to do their jobs more effectively.
For some the change is too overwhelming but digital age is here now and here to stay so it’s time for companies to change their mind-set, move out of their comfort zone and embrace the difference in culture that comes with the digital age.
Growth Mindset
Companies are often not willing to change and want to do things the way they have always done. They are fearful of failing and the ‘fixed mindset’ is common in business because people are scared to get it wrong in case they lose their job. The CEO and the Senior Management team need to advocate and promote a ‘growth mindset’ outlook to succeed and grow.
Innovation and Learning
An open learning and innovative environment should be fostered and employees should be encouraged to share ideas about the different ways technology can be used, discovering new ways of working, new products and services.
They need to have the courage to speak out and not to be afraid of being told it is a bad idea or it won’t work. Employees need the confidence and autonomy to see if their ideas will succeed and not be diminished if they fail.
Providing Autonomy
By providing autonomy to employees you are enabling them to mould their work environment so they can perform at their optimum. This is particularly important when augmenting the work place with technologies such as AI and RPA, as you are enabling your employees to make their own decisions on how to use the technology for their own advantage.
Through autonomy employees become motivated, fully engaged and want to succeed and do well. Enabling employees to use their critical thinking skills to make their own decisions and not be handcuffed by corporate polices and processes. Thus, they will be happier, more productive and will stay longer.
Trusting Employees
Any autonomous business needs to trust its employees and realise that they are capable and trustworthy to do their jobs. More and more employees want the flexibility to work from home, or work from wherever they choose. Unified communications enables them to screen share, perform audio and video calls, and conduct conference calls and instant messages.
Following the Guidelines
Being an autonomous business does not give employees the right to do what they want to do and boundaries, procedures and guidance need to be set for clarity.
Autonomy by Automation
Technology such as unified communication solutions, AI and RPA enables employees to do their jobs easier providing them with the tools to facilitate their autonomy in decision making. Helping employees to reach their objectives more easily, freeing them from the daily mundane tasks that can be handed over to AI solutions such as artificial conversational platforms. This allows employees to focus on strategic and creative areas of their jobs. It enhances and complements employee’s skills rather than takes them away.
Training and Development
A company that cultivates a learning culture to develop its employees will not only benefit the business but will also have a happier workforce who will be fully engaged, more productive and less likely to leave. The Gallup Survey states a 22% higher productivity rate for organisations with highly engaged workforce.
Calling in the Experts
Digital transformation is an evolutionary journey that should be broken down into manageable projects. It is advised that you work with a specialist Solutions and Managed Services Provider who will guide you through the change process, enabling you to transition to a new culture and digital transformation seamlessly. They will work closely with you to understand your business, ascertain your needs and select the right technology for your business.
If this topic resonates, Britannic Technologies is hosting its Convergence Summit , a conference around deconstructing digital transformation on 8th November. Free places are available to qualifying organisations.
Visit www.btlnet.co.uk/events for further information. It’s a day well spent!
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