These days, it’s impossible to disentangle technology from work. That’s why digital transformation has become so important for companies to maintain the same levels of efficiency, commitment, and development as they move into the “new normal.”
As online tools continue to gain steam, many professionals and companies have begun to have questions and concerns about how best to embrace digital transformation. For this reason, we’ve compiled some key do’s and don’ts to help you seamlessly digitize your company.
What to do:
1. Invest in quality tools
The market is full of options for useful tools, and therein lies the problem. Which of the many possibilities will be most helpful in your digital transformation process?
Dig into what your company’s real needs are and which technologies will be best suited for them. For example, there are several authoring tools out there, but not all of them offer the same features and performance. Some focus on text editing, others on multimedia. Many of them require coding for the best results. However, there are some out there that let you create training courses without having to code. Which one would work best for you?
Screenshot of a serious game created with the Editor, an authoring tool that lets you turn your corporate training content into fun video games… without having to code!
2. Maintain consistency across technologies
Given the variety of options that new technologies offer, it’s a good idea to consider systems that offer integration across multiple aspects of the company. This way you can easily implement them at all levels.
The most popular tools offer:
- multiple language options, which allow professionals from all over to learn in their native or preferred language.
- cloud-based services, that only require internet access to use.
- adaptable designs that can be accessed from any device.
- online solutions that eliminate the need to download or install software.
- complete platforms that can be integrated with other systems.
3. Keep cybersecurity in mind
Because companies in this day and age are under constant threat of attack, they must place greater importance on keeping themselves safe. This means creating a digital security plan and safeguarding who employees are sharing vital information with.
Make sure all employees are able to:
- Identify the most common threats to data security.
- Understand tricks and tips to protect their devices and social media pages.
- Detect and prevent spreading viruses via email and other work networks.
4. Follow up on your digital content
Today, consumers demand content in many different digital forms. But, how do you track the successes and failures of each?
Once you finish the content creation process, it’s vital to set out a strategy that will help you analyze your results and identify areas of improvement moving forward.
Focus on data points like:
- Download metrics.
- The most successful formats.
- Average consumption time.
- Target audience.
- Unique pageviews.
It’s also important to keep tabs on where each one is being stored digitally and who has access to it.
5. Train your employees
Whenever large-scale changes take place in a company, it’s crucial for employees to have the tools and training necessary to adequately carry out their day-to-day responsibilities.
But how do you use corporate training to get employees to buy into the company’s digital transformation? With innovative training solutions that combine key elements and generate engagement. For example:
- Useful, applicable, and quality content.
- Elements of gamification to encourage active participation.
- Game-based learning.
- Training itineraries that adapt to the company’s specific needs.
What NOT to do:
1. Ignore digital transformation
According to a survey conducted by Progress.com, 96% of organizations see digital transformation as important or critical, yet 62% say their organization is in denial about the need to transform digitally.
As we see, most companies understand the importance of digital transformation. However, it’s those disruptive companies that truly embrace new technologies and mindsets as the way of the future. They understand that in order to thrive and survive moving forward, there’s no other way.
However, many companies cling to the same technologies they’re comfortable with, ignoring the digital realities we live in. In order to stay ahead of the curve moving forward, it’s of vital importance that you effectively train your teams and understand that doing so is an investment in the future of the company.
You may be interested in: Banesco consolidates its digital transformation thanks to game-based learning
2. Invest in computer security programs without training your staff
Did you know that, according to Google’s Panoramic study of Cybersecurity in Spain, 60% of European SMBs fall victim to cyberattacks they weren’t prepared for?
Lack of real investment and training in cybersecurity can be very expensive for businesses in the long run. Of these SMBs that are attacked, 60% go under within 6 months, often weighed down by the average cost of the attack, which is around 35,000 euros but can sometimes reach 100,000 euros.
To avoid a situation like this, companies must train their employees in smart cybersecurity, since 95% of cybersecurity issues are the result of human error. Also, with the rise of telework, many companies are riper for attack than ever, which makes workforce training in cybersecurity best practices all the more important.
3. Underinvest in the digitalization process
It doesn’t matter if you buy the most expensive technology or opt for the free version, that’s not what it’s about. It’s more about evaluating the requirements of your company and setting a realistic budget for what you’re going to need in your digital transformation. It’s also very possible that more than one investment will have to be made, especially seeing that technologies and skills are constantly evolving.
Make an annual proposal that specifies each of the digital problems your company will face alongside its solution. This will help you see how the processes are interrelated as well as how to foresee and solve issues more naturally and efficiently.
4. Implement a one-size-fits-all plan
Workforces in this day and age have become increasingly diverse, drawing talent and inspiration from many different cultures and age groups.
Faced with this changing landscape, Training and HR departments must pay special attention when designing digital transformation plans and take all professional profiles into account.
If your workforce is diverse, it will be a mistake to try to apply one type of process to all involved. Not everyone learns the same, and if you try to put a square peg into a round hole, you may end up turning people off to the whole process.
5. Give up after the first try
If this is your first time implementing a comprehensive digital transformation, don’t expect everything to work out flawlessly from the start. Understand that these processes are complex and take time.
It’s important to collect feedback from participants along the way. It will help you identify what’s working as well as any potential areas of improvement.
Remember, new technologies are constantly evolving, which requires extra thought on how to update processes, effectively upskill and reskill your workforce, and get people acclimated to big changes through change management.
Although digital transformation may seem a daunting task, it doesn’t need to be. The tools and help are out there to bring your company into the digital age. Read more.
