A boost to productivity

In an age of digital disruption, businesses are frantically searching for platforms which can accommodate audience demands. They need platforms which manage multiple data processes and guarantee security against cyber-attacks. And that’s before they can get people to adopt the digital transformation and new ways of working; which some might argue is by far the more challenging task.

Whilst business connectivity & operations becomes increasingly complex, the tools available to help share information and collaborate more effectively, are becoming simpler to use. Therefore, many businesses are migrating to using platforms such as Microsoft Office 365 and SharePoint. Recognising their merged capabilities, this is providing businesses with powerful interactivity. It enables improved productivity, better control and processing of data and work collaboration.

Microsoft’s Bill Baer exclaimed that IT is being asked to improve employee communication and collaboration, drive better employee engagement, help the organisation make better decisions with real-time data and be an enabler in the cloud-centric world. Office 365 can help accomplish these tasks with functionality such as Skype, Office Graph, cognitive services, CRM online and more.

Simply put, platforms such as Office 365 and SharePoint actually enable organisations to have better control and visibility of their data, control over how it is processed and used and improved input from employees who can access, modify and change in real-time, cutting out delayed time schedules and agendas.

Hesitation to migrate

Despite the steady migration many companies are still hesitant to migrate to the cloud platform. This is mainly due to people being unsure over what will happen to their data. In addition, there are uncertainties over security measures and a reluctance to relinquish control.  As Microsoft’s Bill Baer exclaims: ‘Many organizations are hesitant to go digital because of a misguided fear of insecurity.’ He later states that ‘The cloud is safe. It’s people that aren’t safe’.

But it’s not just their ‘misguided fear’ which sees many companies hesitate with the migration but the inability to prepare, respond and action effectively with the change transformation. McKinsey experts estimate that 70% of Transformation Programs Fail, largely due to employee resistance and lack of management support.

McKinsey’s experts, Emily Lawson and Colin Price, in ‘The psychology of change management’ suggested that four basic conditions are necessary before employees will change their behaviour:

• A compelling story – employees must see the point of the change and agree with it
• Role modelling – management needs to implement the change for colleagues to respect it and join the change journey
• Reinforcing mechanisms – systems, processes, and incentives must be in line with the new behaviour
• Capability building – employees must have the skills required to make the desired changes

Communicating change

To effectively manage change, it is important to help people understand what the purpose and reason behind the change is.  The more detailed the communication about the reason for change, the better an understanding employees will have. And they will be more likely to engage with it and join in on the change journey.

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At ClearVoice Comms, we are experts in delivering business and communication strategies that inspire your people and transform your business. We influence change through the power of communication to improve your company’s performance. For more information or help with managing your digital transformation project, call or email us today and let us show you how the power of communication can change your business.