Modern Work (everything about the modern workplace), supported by tools like Microsoft 365, offers unprecedented opportunities for collaboration, productivity and flexibility. However, to take full advantage of these benefits, it is crucial that your employees can use the available technologies effectively and enjoyably. In addition, your organization will get the most out of Modern Work if the method of working within it is widely supported and if tools and agreements are used and observed in the same way by as many employees as possible.

Adoption of new technologies and ways of working touches not only the IT side, but also change management. Successful implementation requires not only the right technology, but also a strategy to guide employees through this change.

Acceptance and adoption of tools plays a vital role in the success of any digital transformation. In this article, we describe why adoption is important, and share strategies for getting the most out of the modern workplace.

The benefits of effective adoption of Modern Work

• Increased productivity: Employees who use the tools effectively can work faster and more efficiently.
• Enhanced collaboration: Modern tools such as Microsoft Teams promote seamless communication and collaboration.
• Better decision-making: Access to data and insights on the use of tools and systems helps make informed decisions.
• Higher employee satisfaction: Working with modern, user-friendly tools can increase employee satisfaction and engagement.

Steps and strategies for successful change

Training and communication materials are essential around change and adoption. So that's often the first question we get when dealing with adoption issues: 'what is possible in terms of communication, information and training?'But if we start filling this in right away, we miss the next important questions:

• How do we position the change in the organization and toward colleagues?
• How do we ensure that colleagues understand and support the change?
• How do we respond to resistance to change?
• How do we establish a good core team including managers and key users, who have a leadership role towards the rest of the organization?

Changing successfully with the Valid Change Spiral

For an integrated and successful approach to change, we use the Valid Change Spiral, a structured approach to managing organizational change. The model consists of 3 stages of change and individual people are at the center.

Phase 1 - preparing for change: this phase consists of 3 steps and helps teams shape the change strategy, with the desired outcomes as the end goal.

• 1. Determine when to be successful: what are the specific goals we want to achieve?
• 2. Determine impact: on whom and how will the change impact?
• 3. Define the approach: what roles and activities are necessary for success?

Phase 2 - managing change: this phase consists of 3 steps and involves drawing up plans and activities that support colleagues and the organization in implementing the change.

• 1. Plan and implement: what are we doing to prepare and support people as best we can?
• 2. Map performance: how effective are our actions? Where do we see useful impact and where do we see room for improvement?
• 3. Adjust actions: do we need to adjust somewhere for optimal effectiveness?

Phase 3 - sustainable securing of change: this phase consists of 3 steps and establishes that the change is well accepted. Where necessary, further actions are set up to support the implemented change and results as much as possible.

• Performance review: What did we (not) accomplish?
• Securing: What will we do to sustain the change?
• Transferring ownership: Who will take ownership to support ongoing results?

Approach to successful adoption of Modern Work

The importance of culture and behavior

Adoption of technologies is not only about the tools themselves, but also about the culture and behavior within the organization.

Embrace change: Encourage a culture that is open to change and innovation.
Continuous learning: Encourage a mindset of continuous learning and improvement, where employees are constantly looking for ways to optimize their work with new tools.