Macro Systems Blog
Your Business Will Run More Efficiently If You Listen to Your Employees
Sometimes a company focuses too much on what they think they need without asking for the opinions of the ones actually responsible for utilizing it: the end user. Implementing a new technology solution in this way is like asking a client what their favorite ice cream flavor is, then giving them the ice cream flavor you think it should be. In terms of your organization's IT, productivity can go a long way if you just take a moment to listen to your employees.
To this scenario, consider your employees to be “customers.” You should aim to give them the tools they need while staying true to the customer service mindset.
Methods of Data Collection
We’re suggesting that you take a deep dive into your business’ operations via a variety of mediums to best determine which processes can be upgraded through the implementation of technology. This involves a couple of different methods that you can use to collect data about your business’ operations:
- Employee surveys: Administer anonymous surveys to learn ways certain teams might be able to be more effective at their jobs.
- Data analysis: Look to see which tasks are taking longer than usual and why. If it’s an internal issue that can be resolved through implementing a service or solution, then consider your options.
- Face-to-face discussions: Organize a meeting to discuss in-person what each department needs and how to help them get there.
Ask Them What They Require
No one knows your employees’ jobs like your employees. If they say that they require something to do their jobs more efficiently, you should investigate what implementing the solution would mean for their effectiveness. Opening up this direct line of communication with employees has a lot of advantages that might not seem clear at first. One benefit is it makes you accessible, meaning that they don’t have to see you as someone they have no hope of reaching. Another benefit is that it shows you care about their work and making it better or more effective, which can go a long way toward enhancing trust and transparency in-house.
Respond Promptly, but Never Without Consideration
Employees appreciate when their words are responded to promptly, but you should never react to what they ask for without first consulting your budget and organizational goals. It’s one thing to hear about problems regarding your workflows, but another entirely to actually act on them. Remember that every solution your company chooses to implement should be able to benefit your organization's bottom line. In other words, if it helps you either increase revenue or decrease operational costs, you can bet that it’s at least worth a try, especially if it’s as easy to implement as a cloud-based application that can be utilized as a service.
Remember, your job as a business owner is to listen to the problems that your employees are having and make it so that they can do their jobs in a more efficient manner. When they have all they need to be successful in their responsibilities, your business benefits with higher quality of work completed or services rendered. To learn more about how your business can take a more consumer-based mindset when dealing with your employees and technology, including ease-of-use and accessibility, reach out to us at 703-359-9211.
Comments