Technology — broadly defined as the tools and machines that allow humans to solve real-world problems — is all around us. From the sublime of planetary science to the mundane act of changing gear while driving, technology is present in everything we do and is central to the way we live. This article explores this intervening power by focusing on one aspect of what makes technology unique: the way it allows us to reach beyond ourselves and connect with each other.
During the pandemic, many businesses were forced to adopt and implement new technologies in order to maintain productivity and continue serving their customers. These technological solutions — known as business technology — are now essential for most companies’ overall success. However, some employees are resistant to this shift. Whether it’s a fear of losing their jobs to automation or a lack of knowledge about the value and potential of these tools, business leaders need to find ways to address these concerns.
One key strategy is to encourage professional development and provide examples of how these technologies will benefit their careers. Another is to emphasize that the use of these tools will save them time and money by automating processes, eliminating repetitive tasks and reducing human error. For example, long gone are the days when consumers were satisfied with a two- or three-day response time for a customer service query like a password reset. Instead, today’s customers expect a nearly instantaneous resolution.