We’ll all been the new guy at work at least once (or perhaps many times). This may be due to many factors, such as our own restlessness, a promotion and the new tasks involved, or anything else… Life is complicated.
All of these changes entail a great challenge in which everything is new: your co-workers, the processes, the media, even the tools the company makes available to employees. All of these circumstances require patience, training, and motivation from the employee (and the employer) so that everything works like a well-oiled machine. If they are not managed well, they may cause burn out or the dreaded new hire frustration, with the related, dreaded consequences.
That’s why proper training that allows the new hire to carry out their tasks in the best way possible is essential, so that the work is satisfactory for everyone involved. This entry process is very important, not just from the personal or human standpoint, but from the digital standpoint as well. Companies must use technology to obtain the best performance possible, facilitate their employees’ work and, above all, improve the lives of their customers by offering excellent service in which they have access to the best information at all times. This is quite a challenge and makes the difference between being competitive or not.
In order to reach these goals, employees must acquire the necessary digital knowledge and skills. They must also understand the company’s tools as well as the policies related to them (from internal regulations to law, such as those relating to data protection). This may be a small change for those already familiar with similar tools and technologies, but in the case of those who have been more removed from these issues, this is going to involve a paradigm shift: a different vision and, ultimately, a new way of working. It is in these cases when we find ourselves facing a clear example of digital transformation.
Companies must provide their employees with the best practices and training, making a special effort with new employees who have a larger digital divide. Examples of these situations can be found in many industries, although with the continuous change and modernization of all of them, this phenomenon is starting to disappear. One example is in the practice of law, where traditionally technology has been used as a support tool that was unexplored in many areas. However, the situation is changing with new technology: smart contracts, automatic supervision of contracts through the use of AI, etc. These and other technologies are a revolution in the industry and they are just the beginning; it requires a great deal of effort so that companies can keep their employees up-to-date.
Some companies such as the American firm Valve (creators of the legendary Half-Life video games and the online video game platform Steam) understand this very well, and their actions aimed at facilitating the lives of their new employees include providing them with a valuable manual in digital format so that they are properly guided and assisted in their immersion and transformation. This is a clear example of success at a company recognized for its continuous innovation.
Your new job is going to require you to adapt throughout the immersion process, which will affect all aspects. If it is done well, you won’t be alone, as the company should assist you and guide you. All of this, in turn, occurs in an environment that is ceaselessly transforming itself as it is ever-changing and incorporating new technology that will also require training for employees.
Welcome to your new job. Welcome to the digital transformation.
