With mobile technology becoming increasingly more prevalent in the workplace, it is more important than ever that employees possess the technical know-how to use these devices to their fullest potential. This normally isn’t a problem for younger employees and millennial workers. After all, they’ve grown up using wireless technology, so using it in the workplace is second nature to them.
Managers often find it challenging getting older employees to comply when implementing tablets, smartphones or mobile hotspots across their organizations. Some managers automatically assume that older employees will either lack the skills necessary to leverage a new solution, or be entirely resistant to change. However, despite the fact that older employees are slightly more reluctant to use mobile technology, and may be a little slower at picking up new skills, they can definitely be trained to use mobile devices and applications effectively.. Here are a few tricks for getting your more tenured employees to benefit from the latest mobile technology.
1. Clearly explain why mobile technology will be beneficial to them in the workplace.
If your older employees aren’t fully on board with using new wireless devices or mobile technology, it’s probably because they fail to see how using these devices will help them be more effective on the job. Sit down with your employees and show them how much easier their jobs can be when they embrace mobile technology, including company-sponsored apps. Make sure to provide specific examples of how they can use their new devices. Some may find it helpful to have access to important files on-the-go, or use their tablets as second monitors. After realizing how much time and energy they will save, they’ll be much more receptive to the idea of incorporating these devices and mobile apps into their daily work routines.
2. Provide incentives.
While most workers will be quick to adopt new technology as soon as they realize that it can make their jobs easier, some employees will need more motivation. After all, learning to use a new technology can be difficult and time-consuming, so some employees may not feel motivated to put in the extra effort necessary. It’s on you as a manager to make sure your employees feel motivated. Whether you choose to incentivize your employees with some sort of competition, bonuses, or free stuff, your older employees are likely to respond well when presented with good incentives.
3. Provide formal training for employees that don’t regularly use mobile technology.
While most young employees will not need any sort of training with their new devices, older employees may not be as familiar with tablets or other mobile devices, and will need help learning the ins and outs. When implementing tablets or mobile hotspots across your organization, you should hold a mandatory meeting with your employees at which you show them the basic functionality of their new devices.
For a new tablet implementation, for example, you might show them how to set up their email on their new hardware, how to load files onto their device, how to connect it to WiFi or an LTE network, and how to download important applications. If you make the learning process easy for them, they should have no trouble getting used to using mobile technology on a daily basis.
Do all three of these things, and you will have no trouble implementing new, innovative mobile technologies across your entire organization. Show your older employees that using these mobile devices and apps will make their lives easier, provide external motivation, and help them with the learning process, and your workers will be productively using their new technology tools in no time!
DataXoom is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) which provides 4G and LTE mobile data services exclusively to businesses in the United States. Interested in what DataXoom can offer your business? Drop us a note at sales@dataxoom.com, or follow us on Twitter @Dataxoom
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