Overcoming Employee Resistance to New Systems in Your Practice

The technology stack (systems used) of most accounting practices are changing frequently. This continual advancement in tech can presents challenges, particularly when it comes to introducing new systems to employees. At our practice, we recently encountered a situation that highlighted the importance of managing employee resistance effectively so I thought I would share what worked for us. 

Our practice relies on a combination of Asana, G Suite, and XPM to streamline our operations. However, as our team expanded, we began to encounter issues with the seamless functioning of these systems. It became evident that we were missing out on efficiencies, and certain aspects were not aligning with our ideal workflow.

To address these challenges and ensure minimal disruption to our team, we implemented strategies to overcome employee resistance.

Here are three key tips for success based on our experience:

Communication and Involvement

We believe that transparency is essential when introducing changes to our systems. We engaged our team members early in the process, explaining the ‘why’ behind the changes and the benefits for the business. By involving them in the decision-making process, we were able to give the team a sense of ownership and commitment to the transition.

Understanding Concerns

We recognised that some team members might have legitimate concerns about the new systems. Instead of dismissing these apprehensions, we listened to their feedback. This approach not only addressed potential issues but also demonstrated that their input was valued. By addressing concerns and providing reassurance, we alleviated anxieties and built confidence in the proposed changes.

Promoting Collaboration and Engagement

Implementing new systems can be daunting, but it also presents an opportunity to foster teamwork and collaboration. We approached the transition as a collective effort, encouraging participation and teamwork. By setting achievable milestones and celebrating progress, we created a positive and motivating environment. This collaborative approach not only facilitated the implementation process but also strengthened our team (who many of them are remote).

At the end of the day, if these changes are continually resisted but as a business owner you can see the value, perhaps you need to evaluate if the team member (s) resisting are right for your practice. Technology is only going to keep evolving at a rapid rate so we all need to be adaptable to change.

If you are interested in the systems we love and that work for us, you can view these here: