Perhaps one issue in today’s workplace is how to manage technophobia. Undoubtedly, computers make work a lot faster and easier. It’s only quite logical to automate work processes with computers. Unfortunately for some organizations, there’s the issue of change management. Some employees just need to be pushed to use technology to their benefit but technophobia can fan the flames of apprehension causing a bad kink in your workplace improvement plans. Here are some tips on how you can address this typical employee concern.

Not all employees are technophobic. In fact, some of your people will be techies. Involve them in the process of your computerization project. Ask them what software would they need to boost productivity. Also, ask them to choose between similar programs with their fellow non-techie co-workers in mind. Knowing beforehand what would work for them eliminates the risk of investing on irrelevant and useless software.

After you’ve purchased the necessary hardware and software, be sure to layout a training plan for those who will be using the technology. Integrate this into your schedule, whether there will be assigned times when a trainer will be visiting your office.

Urge your employees to practice using the technology. Allow them to practice and train both within and after office hours. Devise a mentoring program where more skilled employees can coach the ones who are just starting to learn.

If you think that some of your employees will really need a crash course in the use of technology, create an employee development program. Inquire with the local community college if they offer short courses on computing and office productivity.

Remember that no matter how fancy your computers and your arsenal of software are, their potentials can only be maximized if the users (i.e. your employees) would be able to fully utilize them.