Overcoming Resistance: Helping Your Teams Adopt New Technology Solutions

In an industry where margins are tight and competition is fierce, it is critical for construction businesses to run as efficiently as possible. Technology can play a vital role in helping businesses stay on track, but despite the many benefits that technology delivers, many organizations face internal resistance when introducing new systems. Between busy schedules, established ways of working, and skepticism toward change, getting your teams fully on board with new technology can be challenging.

However, it doesn’t have to be this way. With thoughtful planning and the right approach, you can overcome employee resistance and set your teams up for a successful technology adoption. Let’s take a closer look at why teams often have a hard time adapting and explore practical strategies that can help address common concerns.

Understanding the Cause of Resistance

Before addressing employee resistance to new technology, it’s essential to understand what could be causing it. Technology adoption isn’t just about learning new software, it represents a significant change in how people perform their daily work.

It’s common to fear the unknown – and when it comes to implementing new technology, there can often be an added layer of apprehension as team members are expected to learn the new system while maintaining their current workload. Construction is already a high-pressure industry so it can be difficult to take on this new challenge while performing their jobs effectively. It is understandable that many fear they may fall behind during the transition.

Plus, if previous technology implementations didn’t deliver on promises, your teams may question whether the new solution will be worth the effort. Some team members may even be concerned that technology automation could eventually replace their roles or diminish their value to the organization.

Recognizing these legitimate concerns and being fully transparent throughout the process can help you alleviate your team’s hesitation and bring them on board.

Let’s dive into some specific strategies you can employ.

Practical Strategies for Successful Implementation

1. Start with a Clear “Why”
   People are much more likely to embrace change when they understand the purpose behind it. Rather than simply announcing new technology, clearly communicate the specific problems the technology will solve and how it will make their daily work easier or more effective.

   It is important to be as specific as possible. For example, instead of saying, “We’re implementing a new project management system,” try “We’re implementing a system that will eliminate duplicate data entry, give you real-time access to project information in the field, and help us identify potential issues before they impact schedules or budgets.”

   Be sure to paint a clear picture of what success will look like for both individuals and the company, including the impact on the organization’s competitiveness and growth.

2. Involve Team Members Early in the Process
   One of the most effective ways to overcome resistance is to involve potential users early in the selection and implementation process. Consider creating a cross-functional team to evaluate options and provide input.

   Survey employees to gain a better understanding of the current processes and pain points and how technology can address them. Allow team members to test potential solutions and provide feedback before final decisions are made.

   Appointing “technology champions” from different departments who can provide peer support can also be effective. When people have a voice in the process, they feel more invested and that naturally increases buy-in and reduces resistance.

3. Tailor Training to Different Learning Styles
   Not everyone learns new technology the same way. Creating a multi-faceted training approach that accommodates different learning preferences can go a long way in helping teams adopt new technology. For example, hands-on workshops appeal to those who learn by doing, while written documentation with screenshots may be more effective for visual learners. On-demand video tutorials are also a great tool that can be referenced again as needed. One-on-one coaching is another option for those who may require extra help.

   Remember that learning new technology should not be a one-off event. Plan for and provide ongoing training opportunities as users may need a refresher or additional training as they progress from basic functionality to more advanced features.

4. Focus on Quick Wins
   Early success can build momentum with your teams so it can help to identify aspects of the new technology that will deliver the most immediate, visible benefits and focus on implementing those first. When team members experience positive results quickly, it can have a ripple effect, increasing their enthusiasm for the broader implementation.

   For example, if you’re implementing a comprehensive construction management platform, you might start with something like a daily reporting module that eliminates paperwork. Teams can see an immediate impact as it reduces their manual workload and makes it easier to share information with team members. This quick win could improve morale and make teams more open to the rest of the implementation.

5. Have an Honest Dialogue
   It is important to be transparent and keep teams informed throughout the process. When you encounter resistance, acknowledge concerns openly rather than dismissing them. Team members should feel heard and know that they can express reservations, ask questions, and provide feedback. Sometimes, the simple act of listening can defuse tension and help team members be more open to change.

   Having these conversations regularly can also help you gain valuable insights and lead you and your team to productive solutions that consider everyone’s needs.

6. Share Specific Examples
   While descriptions of product benefits may be a good starting point, this may not be enough to convince skeptics. When evaluating new solutions, ask vendors for specific examples of how similar organizations have benefited from the technology. Most software providers can share data that helps illustrate potential time savings, error reduction, or financial benefits. You can also set up product demonstrations to help your teams become more familiar with the technology and see how it can improve specific workflows and processes.

   Product reviews and customer case studies are additional resources that can help demonstrate the value of a new solution. You can even reach out to peers you are connected to through industry associations or forums – many are happy to share their experience, and their personal stories can be much more persuasive than theoretical benefits.

Have a Long-Term Vision

Technology adoption isn’t complete once the system is implemented. It is important to establish metrics to monitor system utilization rates across teams, track the reduction in manual processes, and measure improvements in key performance indicators. This data will not only help demonstrate success but can also identify areas needing additional support or refinement.

Successful technology adoption is about more than implementing specific tools—it’s about cultivating an organizational culture that embraces innovation and continuous improvement. Organizations that can efficiently adopt new technologies position themselves to leverage emerging innovations in AI, machine learning, and automation that can provide a significant competitive advantage and set them up for sustained growth.