#TECH: Digitalisation and staff morale

Motivating employees during times of digital transformation allows them to feel confident about the new pace of business

INVESTING in digital technology is important for companies, but leveraging employees’ potential is crucial too.

According to RAMSSOL Group chief executive officer Cllement Tan, digitalisation might have been trending these past few years, but many organisations did not make the transition a priority.

But when the global health crisis hit, the reluctance gave way to the need to digitalise completely.

“Indeed, recent data shows that we have vaulted five years ahead in consumer and digital adoption in a matter of around eight weeks. The digitalisation wave sparked innovation, paving the way for a new normal,” said Tan.

RAMSSOL is a home-grown technology company focusing on offering solutions in the field of human capital management.

Tan gave examples on how digitisation allowed banks to transition to remote sales and service teams; how grocery stores shifted to online ordering and delivery as their primary business; how schools pivoted to 100 per cent online learning; and how manufacturers developed plans for lights-out factories and supply chains.

CHALLENGES

While necessary, these changes also created new challenges.

Tan said that beyond the obvious such as cybersecurity and cybercrime, the digitalisation process impacted employee morale.

“From the fear of losing their jobs to the simple discomfort of change, many employees second-guessed their role in the organisation,” he said.

However, what’s undeniable is that motivated employees are crucial for organisations to succeed in this digital age.

“Employers need to rebuild trust, open new channels of communication and organise connections to build working relationships necessary for collaboration.

“To do this, employers must come out with specific strategies and tools for successful employee engagement.”

For employees to play an active role in the transformation process, they need to know what is expected of them, added Tan.

“Setting specific goals can be helpful. Better yet, make this process collaborative so employees have a voice in setting performance expectations that are fair, relevant and challenging,” he said.

UPSKILL WHERE NECESSARY

Tan said motivating employees during times of digital transformation via upskilling allows them to feel confident about the new pace of business.

“While offering them training on new software or technology is necessary, offer them too remedial training opportunities based on the skill sets needed to navigate through the transition process.

“This shows that you care about your employees’ success and are willing to invest in their growth,” he said.

Besides that, he said employers need to communicate consistently with their employees and encourage growth through changes.

“Change is difficult in any organisation. Communicate with employees early, as this empowers them to be a part of the process.

“Use this opportunity to encourage a growth mindset. Inspire them to be open to new opportunities and embrace failure.

“The best thing you can do is stay connected with your team from start to finish,” added Tan.

THE NEED TO CONNECT

In today’s environment, employers must build a solid platform for their employees to connect with one another.

“It should be accessible, fun and vibrant, so employees can discuss and commune even while working remotely,” he said.

In 2018, RAMSSOL created Feet’s, a subscription-based app that works to increase positive reinforcement within a company, be it peer-to-peer, or management-to-employee, to improve relationships.

It aims to cultivate a culture of collaboration and acts as a place for employees to be recognised for their hard work and be rewarded for it.

“The Feet’s journey started as an internal project to motivate the RAMSSOL Group, but the crucial need for employee engagement in Malaysia gave us the impetus to market it locally,” he said.

Today, the app has expanded, and is used by multiple organisations in Southeast Asia, further reaffirming the importance of employee engagement.

Source: NST