Who’s Driving the New Technological Revolution?

For too long, companies’ IT departments issued a suite of technology tools and mandated employees to use them. But, they put little thought into whether these solutions were correct. Unfortunately, for employees, there was little opportunity to offer feedback and influence the selection process. Organizations rolled out technologies to everyone regardless of whether they needed or wanted them. Should employees or IT drive the technological revolution?

Ask Your Teenagers

More than one in four employees would upgrade the technology in the workplace if they were in charge. Somewhat surprisingly, that outpaces the number that would add health benefits to their workplace or decrease micromanaging.

Technology has changed how people and companies approach business. Organizations must contemplate the looming changes and identify technologies they think will positively affect their operations. Then, they need to decide — with input from the teams that will be using these tools — how to apply technology to drive results.

IT teams that aren’t asking their youngest employees or even their own teenagers — the next generation of workers — about the technology they are using at home are doing it wrong.

Are Leaders Choosing the Tech with Employees in Mind?

A report from PWC found 90% of leaders say they are choosing technology for their organization with their people in mind. But, only about half (53%) of their employees agree. This disconnect happens when leaders do not have a firm grasp on the daily routines and needs of their employees. So, they frequently make choices that are not the right ones for their teams, a move that can have far-reaching and long-lasting consequences.

Businesses can no longer fall back on the status quo. Employees expect that organizations’ IT departments embrace the shift. For companies, joining this technological revolution, there is a practical business case: If employees believe they have the right tools for their jobs, they generally perform better and deliver greater results.

As the PWC study aptly notes, the result is poor employee experience and lackluster overall organizational performance. The solution is to create enjoyable and relevant experiences for everyone. Using the latest technology permits teams to collaborate and communicate based on what works best for them.

For my full take on who is in the drivers seat of the technological revolution, visit business.com.