An agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce, the JBDC is Jamaica’s premier business development organisation working collaboratively with government, private sector, as well as, academic, research and international communities.

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The conversation around digital transformation has been laced with uncertainty. For many, this tech-driven shift will replace human labour with automated systems. However, at its core, digital transformation isn’t about eliminating humans – it’s about enhancing productivity, streamlining operations, and empowering employees through new technologies.

“Digital transformation marks a radical rethinking of how an organisation uses technology, people, and processes to fundamentally change business performance,” says George Westerman, MIT principal research scientist and author of Leading Digital: Turning Technology into Business Transformation. He added that, “Fostering a culture of continuous learning is a secret weapon in the realm of digital transformation”.

If businesses want to see meaningful outcomes, staff engagement is key in the process. The Entrepreneur Weekly presents five ways to ensure your team stays engaged during this process:

1. Up-skill and Empower Employees with Training

One of the most critical factors in a successful digital transformation is empowering your staff with the right tools and knowledge. Offering digitisation training, such as the Digital Jamaica Training, helps employees feel more confident and capable in adopting new technologies. When employees understand the purpose and value of the tools they’re using, they are more likely to embrace change and use technology effectively to boost productivity. According to Forbes, upskilling employees during a digital transformation not only enhances their performance but also makes them more adaptable to future tech changes.

2. This Process Should Be Collaborative

It’s vital to communicate transparently with your team about what the digital transformation means for them. This process should be collaborative. Invite feedback and discuss how technology can support their roles, rather than replace them. Research by Forbes’ Forbes Tech Council emphasises the importance of clear communication in fostering trust and ensuring employees are on board with the transformation.

3. Incorporate Human-Centred Technology

When implementing digital solutions, it’s imperative that you choose tools that enhance human capabilities rather than overshadow them. Embracing the “human side” of digital solutions involves using technology to compliment human skills and creativity. By focusing on tools that improve day-to-day tasks and reduce repetitive work, businesses can ensure their staff feels more empowered, not replaced.

4. Create a Culture of Innovation

Encourage employees to experiment with new technologies, share ideas, and collaborate on digital projects. As Forbes’ Business Council suggests, giving employees ownership over aspects of the transformation process boosts engagement and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. When staff members are invested in the transformation, they’ll feel more motivated to drive it forward.

5. Remind The Team of The Vision, Goals and Benefits

Remind the team of the vision and goals of the business. Share with the team how integrating digital solutions can catalyse achieving these goals. This helps create a shared understanding and enthusiasm among everybody.

FREE DIGITAL TRAINING FOR MSMEs

Want to tech-charge your business? Under the Digital Jamaica Project, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) is training 2700 entrepreneurs in digital solutions for FREE.

  • Assess Your Business’ Digital Needs
  • Choose the Right Digital Tools
  • Know Your Numbers – Data & Finances
  • Customer Management
  • Enhance Business with Software
  • Data Security & Privacy
  • Reporting

We are heading out of town in February. Find out when we will be in your parish and apply now at www.jbdc.net/digitaljamaica/ or click the image below.

Author

Corporate Communications