The Costly Mistake Companies Make When Investing in Technology
You’ve spent months researching, comparing, and finally choosing what seems to be the perfect software for your business. It promises automation, efficiency, and a streamlined workflow. Leadership is excited, IT is ready, and employees… well, they’re struggling. A few weeks in, adoption is low, confusion is high, and the productivity boost you were expecting? Nowhere in sight.
Sound familiar?
This is the reality for countless organisations that invest in technology without investing in training. The truth is the best software in the world is useless if employees don’t know how to use it effectively.
The Real Reason New Tools Fail in the Workplace
Many companies fall into the “technology-first” trap—assuming that just because a tool is powerful, employees will automatically embrace it. But the reality is:
Employees don’t resist technology—they resist change. A new tool represents disruption, uncertainty, and, often, extra work to figure out.
Assuming “it’s intuitive” is a mistake. Even the most user-friendly platforms have a learning curve. What’s “easy” for one person might be overwhelming for another.
Training isn’t just about features; it’s about workflows. Employees don’t need a list of functions—they need to understand how this tool fits into their daily work.
The Hidden Cost of Skipping Training
1. Unused Software Licenses
Research suggests that 30-40% of software licenses go unused. That’s money being drained from your budget because employees either don’t see the value or don’t know how to use the tool efficiently.
2. Loss of Productivity Instead of a Boost
Rather than saving time, employees waste hours searching for features, asking colleagues for help, or reverting to old systems. This not only delays work but also creates frustration.
3. Increase in Errors and Poor Data Management
Without proper guidance, employees may input incorrect data, fail to use automation features or create inefficiencies that ripple across the organisation.
4. Resistance to Future Technology Changes
A poor rollout today makes employees hesitant about future changes. If they associate new tools with stress and confusion, they will resist future upgrades.
Training doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. But it does need to be intentional. Here’s how to set your team up for success:
How to Ensure Technology Adoption (And Maximise Your Investment)
1. Start with ‘Why’—Not Just ‘How’
Before diving into tutorials, help employees understand why this tool matters. How will it make their work easier? What specific problems does it solve?
Example: Instead of saying, “We’re switching to a new project management tool,” say, “This tool will automate task tracking and reduce status update meetings by 50%, meaning less time spent on admin and more time focusing on meaningful work.”
2. Offer Multi-Layered Training Options
Not everyone learns the same way. Consider a mix of:
Live workshops (for real-time Q&A and interaction)
On-demand video tutorials (for self-paced learning)
Cheat sheets & quick guides (for easy reference)
Peer champions (employees who can support and answer questions)
3. Make Training Ongoing—Not Just a One-Time Event
Adoption isn’t a single moment; it’s a process. Offer follow-up sessions, office hours, and refresher training to reinforce learning and answer new questions as they arise.
4. Integrate Training into Onboarding
For new employees, the sooner they learn the system, the better. Build software training into the onboarding process so it becomes second nature from day one.
5. Recognise & Reward Adoption
Create incentives for employees who embrace the new system. Acknowledging progress, whether through internal recognition, small rewards, or leadership shoutouts, encourages further adoption.
Final Thoughts: Training Isn’t a ‘Nice-to-Have’—It’s a Necessity
Software doesn’t drive productivity—people do. And people perform best when they feel confident in the tools they’re using.
Training isn’t an afterthought if you want your organisation to truly benefit from its tech investments—it’s the foundation of success.
Are your employees fully equipped to make the most of your technology?
Let’s talk—what has been your biggest challenge with tech adoption?
Drop a comment below! 👇
