Supporting staff to embrace tech

Workplaces are becoming increasingly reliant on digital technologies to streamline operations and cut costs. HoeggHowever, this has affected the wellbeing of many employees, including anxiety and stress about changing job roles and being unable to disconnect from work.

Research has now highlighted the importance of considering the effect on staff wellbeing when rolling out new digital tools. The study makes recommendations for how to support employees while fostering acceptance of technology. These include “clear communication” about benefits and effectiveness, as people are more likely to welcome digital tools if they believe they will enhance their performance.

Organisations should also invest in “supportive and resource-rich” training and are advised to consider adopting technology that is “functional and enjoyable [to use]”. Social influence also plays a significant role in employee acceptance, the study notes. It describes how peer recommendations, the opinions of influential colleagues and even organisational culture can support acceptance.

The authors state: “Foster a supportive environment by creating an organisational culture that acknowledges the psychological impacts of technology use and provides resources to help employees manage these impacts effectively.”

Read the full study in the journal Behaviour & Information Technology