Simple Ways to Train Your Employees About the Latest Technology

Whether you’re in a corporate environment or own your own expanding business, figuring out the simple but effective ways to train your staff on technology and its upgrades can make or break your company or business.

Unfortunately, many corporate professionals still believe that when they received their diploma at school, their education was complete. How far from the truth this can be because learning is a never ending process and the only true constant in this world is change. Because of the advances in technology, particularly with business related ones, staying current is crucial. A business depends on its employees remaining up to date with technology to stay ahead or at least keep pace.

The difficulty lies in continually ensuring that your team is well trained on the technology, devices, and software they’re using, because:

• Old technology can hamper team members’ work and cost business countless hours of productivity.

• Outdated software is a large security threat. Your system is only as strong as the weakest link in your chain.

• Appearing uninformed about new devices or software may discourage potential clients and customers.

Know when to train

Say, for instance, that you choose to change from desktop computers to tablets. While Sam may be familiar with the mobile device, James may not be. Don’t assume that all employees will grasp a new system immediately. If each individual doesn’t fully understand how to use the technology, even if it’s just an upgrade to a platform your business is already using, you may run the risk of depleted productivity and morale.

Start with the team leaders

As you prepare to launch new software or any technology that affects your employees, consider training a select group of members first. Once they’ve been trained, they can coach their respective teams. Training the leaders first is an efficient technique for passing on information, as well as a great way to encourage collaboration. It also prevents a solitary instructor from becoming overwhelmed with requests and questions.

Try online training

Many small businesses actually exist exclusively online, with team members in different continents, countries, or states. For such a business, in-person training would be wildly expensive and time-consuming. Online coaching is a powerful alternative. Aside from their easy accessibility, online training sites can offer asynchronous timing. Freeing your staff from fixed timelines can allow team members in varied locations around the country or around the world to each learn at their own pace.

Allow employees to experiment with the new tools and software

Most of us take new cars for test drives before we buy them. So why not let your team members experiment with new software or technology before using it in full for the business? If you’re rolling out a new device or program, allot your staff a week to practice with the new tool and solidify their lessons. Ensure that a well-trained team member is handy to answer the questions that will naturally arise.