5 Tips to Manage New Automation in your Business
The Automation Re-imagination
Times are changing, and that means many businesses are either going virtual (or more virtual) and automating as many processes as possible, either by choice or through necessity. As a result, the things that worked for your business in the past may need to change and you may have to figure out what all of this means for your operation, your employees, and your future. Maybe you need new software, new manufacturing processes, and/or entirely new roles. Here are a few tips to help you through the transition:
Involve your employees in discussions about the transition from a very early stage. Don’t just focus on numbers to justify the change; focus on emotions as well. A picture might be worth a thousand words, but a first-hand experience is worth a million. Maybe you can take a field trip somewhere so that your employees can experience first-hand what some of these changes might mean (and the positive impact they can have). An experience that demonstrates why your process isn’t working can be equally effective, it just depends on your challenge and how you can get your employees to experience it outside of their existing workplace bubble. Regardless of which approach you take, it’s critical that you get support for the transition from your employees from an early stage of the change process.
Crowdsource ideas from your employees on how to do things better or what they need to excel at their jobs in the “new reality” in which we live. Some employees will just be there to get a paycheque and won’t have any interest in planning for your company’s future; others will be more invested and could have extremely valuable ideas to make your business even more competitive and modern.
Make sure your management team is completely on board with the transition. If possible, integrate the management of these changes into their annual performance metrics and review your transition goals regularly as a management team. Everyone, from staff to management, needs to be “rowing in the same direction”.
Change can create a lot of anxiety, particularly amongst those who don’t feel prepared to deal with the change. Use employee training as a tool to ensure that your workforce is ready to tackle the change. If you have a new manufacturing or safety process, ensure staff have plenty of time to get familiar with their new role and are completely comfortable with their new tasks. Don’t assume that employees can just “figure out” their new role - that can result in lost productivity and increased employee frustrations (which ultimately leads to turnover).
Different people have different learning preferences, so it’s important to integrate several training styles into your approach – often a combination of formal training and experiential learning is best.
We’ve helped many different companies through a transition phase and would love to support you as well. Reach out to discuss how we can work together to ensure your employees are ready to tackle their new responsibilities.
HIGH TIDE LEARNING STUDIO
We’re Erin and Peter, a husband and wife team passionate about making your organization successful through employee training and engagement. Join us as we explore new opportunities to improve your workplace.