Four Steps to Prioritize the Human Focus in a Digital World
As your business continues to evolve and grow, we know how important it is to embrace technology in order to stay competitive and efficient. Of equal (or perhaps greater) importance, however, is maintaining the focus on the human aspect within your organization. It is without a doubt, a balance, and one that takes careful consideration and, above all else, open communication.
Here are a few tips on how to prioritize a focus on the human element in a digital world:
1. Keep communication open: As you introduce new technology, nothing will be more important - or make or break a new product or process - more than the communication that leads up to the launch. You must create and maintain open lines of communication with all employees the technology will impact. This should begin with why you are making such technological changes or advancements, how it will impact each team/department, and the company as a whole. Essentially, start with your WHY. You want to ideally encourage feedback, accept suggestions, and be willing to make adjustments if necessary as you go. Keeping your employees in the loop on launch plans, changes, and day-to-day operations as you weave the technology into your organization’s processes also minimizes confusion and helps to maintain focus on the people behind the technology, and not just the technology itself.
2. Invest in training: By making sure your employees are well-trained in any new technology you may introduce, you are ensuring they feel comfortable and confident building it into their daily work. Not only will this also minimize any potential frustration or confusion, it creates an opportunity for everyone to learn together, make mistakes, ask questions… all while learning together. Building in time for feedback is an important step in providing adequate training as well; it allows for employees to let their voices be heard and in return increases their feelings of value within the organization.
3. Don't forget face-to-face interactions: While email, chat, Slack, and all the other forms of communication are important in the digital age, it is still crucial to have routine face-to-face interactions with your employees. The more technologically advanced we become, the easier it is to gloss over areas of empathy and connection. Yes, you want to schedule regular team meetings and one-on-one check-ins, but consider other opportunities for in-person (or at least face-to-face zoom) conversations as well. This could be as simple as stopping by an employee's office to grab a quick cup of coffee or to ask if they want to sit outside to eat lunch on a nice day, or in a more virtual work environment, perhaps it’s scheduling a simple 20 minute life update zoom call. These interactions are where true connection is built, and also where staff members begin to feel all the more valued; that their lives outside of work truly matter.
4. Prioritize work-life balance: Technology helps us to be more efficient in so many ways, but it also has an innate ability to blur the lines between work and personal life. Make sure to prioritize work-life balance by building it into your company culture. If staff members see the leaders of the organization prioritizing life outside of work, it allows them to feel less pressure when they need to take care of a sick child, leave early for an anniversary dinner, or simply need to take a mental health day. Encouraging your team to disconnect from the very technology we implement for our operations to run smoothly allows for better rest and revitalization upon their return to the office (as opposed to someone who is responding to emails all weekend long).
By following these tips, you can embrace technology in your business while still maintaining a focus on the people behind the scenes; the true heart of your organization. The people, after all, are what makes your company unique. Anybody can implement new technology, but the people, the relationships, and the clients are at the heart of your business, and deserve to be prioritized. Flourishing both in technological advancements and human experience is 100% achievable, and is the best way to ensure longevity in a digital landscape.
