Are you considering, or in the process of implementing new HR technology within your organisation, and want to make it as successful as can be?
According to research by Deloitte, 42% of HR tech implementations fail within the first two years. Without proper buy-in from your employees, managers and HR teams, this number is bound to be even higher. In fact, according to Gartner, one of the top 3 hurdles organisations face in successful HR tech implementation is stakeholder adoption, with 57% of those sampled experiencing these challenges.
See, your employees are your customers when it comes to HR technology implementation. They are the ones who will be using it day-in and day-out – so it’s crucial to get their buy-in from the start.
This brings us to an important question: how do you get employee buy-in for successful HR tech implementation?
Get them involved from the start!
This means reaching out to your employees and asking for their thoughts on the current HR system.
Ask them what they like and dislike about it and what features they want in a new system. Understand their pain points and what resistance they may have towards change.
This will not only make your employees feel heard, but it will also give you valuable insights into what your employees really need from an HR tech system.
Involving your employees in the business case and decision-making process will also increase their sense of ownership, making them more likely to support the implementation.
Create a diverse team of HR tech ambassadors
Who better to champion your new HR technology than your employees themselves? They are the ones who will be using it, after all.
But when creating this team, it cannot be stressed enough that you involve employees from different departments, varying seniority levels, and across different demographics.
When employees see their peers involved in the decision-making process, they are more likely to trust and support it. It will foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity within the organisation, and your employees will feel like their voices are being heard.
To achieve this, have your nominated HR tech ambassadors attend demos and presentations about the new system to get them excited and talking about it. Have them share their thoughts and feedback with their colleagues, creating a buzz and anticipation around the implementation. And don’t forget to also involve your managers and HR teams in this process – their buy-in is just as crucial for a successful implementation.
Implement proper training
A new HR technology system can be intimidating for employees, especially those who are not tech-savvy. That’s why providing proper training and support to your employees throughout the implementation process and beyond is crucial.
This means providing training sessions before, during, and after the implementation process to ensure that your employees are comfortable using the new system and can reap its benefits fully.
You will also want to ‘train the trainer’ and involve your HR tech ambassadors in this process, as they can help provide peer-to-peer support, answer questions, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
And don’t forget to communicate the benefits of the new HR technology system to your employees. Show them how it will make their jobs easier, save them time and effort, and provide better opportunities for growth within the organisation.
Demonstrate how it aligns with the company’s goals and values, making their work more meaningful and impactful to help see the value in the new system and be more open to the changes it brings.
Ongoing engagement and feedback integration
Lastly, make sure to continuously engage and gather feedback from your employees throughout the implementation process. However, this means going beyond just surveys and creating more personal interactions like focus groups or one-on-one check-ins with employees.
Show them that their opinions matter and that you value their input in making the new HR technology system a success. Use their feedback to make necessary adjustments and update them on the implementation progress.
Final thoughts
Implementing new HR technology is more than just choosing and installing a system. It’s about getting your employees on board, making them feel heard and valued, and providing the necessary support to ensure a successful implementation.
At the end of the day, it’s all about your employees – they are your biggest asset and making sure they are happy and on board with the HR technology will ultimately lead to a successful and thriving organisation.
So take the time, effort, and resources to get employee buy-in for your HR tech implementation – it’s an investment that will pay off in the long run.
