You might be wondering what the connection is between these two concepts?
Allow me, then, to elaborate on the subject.
IT has become an essential element in the labor market
We will not hide it, IT has taken a key place in our lives, and more particularly in the business world. Indeed, with the arrival of social networks, each company, regardless of the field it occupies, depends on technologies, and this to varying degrees. Even the growth of your company is directly linked to a computer system, and this is for the well-being of internal and external management. This means that your systems need adequate updating or modernization to meet the expectations of your customers as well as those of your employees.
With the pandemic that has rocked the world and accelerated the serious shortage of manpower, it has become more important than ever to have modern and efficient infrastructures, to recruit the best talents on the market, and above all to preserve your current team. These days in the IT field, the competition is strong and tough!
Not to mention that the new generation, which is gradually arriving on the job market, is fueled by technology. A reality not to be overlooked, quite the contrary.
In addition, your employees need to be stimulated, to explore the arc of their respective potentials, and to be able to surpass themselves. It is simply human nature. So if they can’t find what they’re looking for in your company, they’ll fill it elsewhere.
Moreover, for your employees, learning new work tools and their functionalities can be a real asset for the long term of their career and adds additional value to their curriculum. Another reality not to be overlooked.
You then understand the importance that an IT modernization can have within your team.
Now it’s time to think about the next stage of an IT modernization: the plan.
How to develop a functional and adequate IT modernization plan?
The IT modernization plan is probably the most important step of the operation. In fact, this step requires a real introspection to understand and provide for the necessary needs of the company as well as its users and to avoid unnecessary expenses.
So, take the time to ask the following questions:
- As an employer, have you ever taken the time to talk to your IT team?
- Do you know their professional expectations?
- How do you contribute to their professional growth?
- Do you communicate with your technical team regarding the evolution of your computer systems?
- Do you know the current status of your IT support?
- Have you already drawn up an integration plan? If so, do you have an effective training plan for your employees?
Achieving a good IT modernization plan does not only require getting the latest technology on the market but rather valuing the human potential of the operation. They are the ones who will be mandated to familiarize themselves with it and master it to optimize its effectiveness.
This brings us to the next step, the integration.
Integration of the plan within your team
We now come to the most delicate part of the project, the one that requires the most finesse, know-how, and leadership. Because, you probably know, changes are not always welcome. Even they can create uncertainty, anxiety, and disinterest on the part of your staff. It can even create intergenerational problems between your employees since the younger generations are likely to feel challenged and stimulated by these changes, while the older ones are likely to be overwhelmed and demotivated.
To avoid confusion and frustration, your modernization project should be carefully planned. A clear, precise, and well-structured plan will allow your team to adapt to this new work tool. Take it slowly to give them time to get used to it. Don’t bombard them with a wide variety of new tools to learn and master, or they may be overwhelmed by all these changes.
From integration to loyalty
The best approach to apply in such a situation is the human approach. It will undoubtedly have a beneficial effect on your operation and greatly increase the chances of preserving your team. You will give them the following feelings:
- Ownership
- Confidence
- Valuation
- Respect
- Heard
In addition, these new tools will allow them to meet the following needs:
- To feel useful
- Surpass themselves
- Being stimulated
- New features and changes
- Acquire new skills
- Gain new experiences
Of course, these tips are not a 100% guarantee that your employees won’t go elsewhere or even feel disgruntled and spread the word. People are free. But with a humanist approach and careful planning, you put all the chances on your side. You will be able to optimize the full potential of your team as well as that of your IT.
Our best tips before starting the process
If you are considering an IT modernization for your company, it is essential for you as an employer to follow certain steps, to ensure better performance while maintaining your current team. First and foremost, you need to undertake a real introspection within your company. Ask the necessary questions to recognize and understand the strengths and weaknesses of the organization, both internally and externally. In addition, knowing the professional ambitions of each member of your team as well as their level of satisfaction can also help you understand their needs and, of course, those of the company.
From this point on, you will be able to craft an execution plan perfectly designed for your business. However, the integration of the IT modernization plan is without a doubt the most difficult phase to maneuver, especially with your team. Because, in times of change, they will need to feel supported and, above all, the value on your part. This type of operation can cause stress, uncertainty, and weariness.
So, paying particular attention to listening and human support will create a feeling of security and belonging to you and your business. This step will therefore be decisive and, above all, not to be underestimated, because it will have a direct impact on the reputation and prosperity of your company.
Remember, IT modernization will allow you to acquire new talents, of course, but a well-developed plan that is executed with finesse and humanity encourages the retention of your current employees.
Therefore, if we recap, an IT upgrade allows you to remain a competitive player in your industry. But to achieve such external success, you must first build it from within. It is paramount.
Conclusion
I recommend that every company considering embarking on a transformation, or a modernization program carefully examine its culture and mindset when it comes to training.
Some changes are often necessary to create an environment that retains and attracts talent. As a company, the need to have a clear vision of what you’re building and what goals everyone in the company feels they can achieve is necessary.
The good news is that these changes and modernization can be done, head-on, by developing new approaches and encouraging your staff to embrace them, which should make them happier.
If you want to modernize your IT infrastructure and you need to talk to one of our experts. Please consult: Our services.