User Adoption: One of the biggest challenges to a successful deployment
Like all projects poor user uptake can derail a lone worker system, and technical solutions bring with them the added element of ‘techno-fear’.
Companies know they need a system in place to protect remote workers , even more so now the new Health & Safety sentencing guidelines are in place, however winning the confidence of staff and getting user buy-in can be an elusive Holy Grail!
It’s not unusual when clients join us having previously used other systems to hear a despairing manager say “Of course they wont use it…”. This is particularly common in the case of the most experienced lone workers, who often suffer from complacency regarding personal safety.
Like all new technology you can expect teething problems, however it is possible to successfully deploy a system and win the confidence of your staff. The key (in our experience) is in building the right foundations..
Here are our top tips to make your deployment a success
1. Do Your Research Before You Buy
This may sound obvious but it is wise to do your research before you choose a system to ensure it fits the needs of your organisation. We often come across companies which have picked a system with all the bells, whistles, and gimmicks but which doesn’t fit how they work.
Each organisation has unique needs and the more closely you can match these, the more likely your staff will buy-in to the concept. Remember: The simpler the system, the more successful the deployment is likely to be!
2. Keep Staff and Relevant Stakeholders Well-Informed
Nobody likes surprises at work and when it comes to new procedures your employees are likely to be no exception.
We have seen cases where the central office of an organisation has tried to impose a new system nationwide with no consultation or prior warning. Needless to say these deployments struggle in the face of blanket resistance from staff who not only feel it be a burden, but are substantially put out!
Keep your team well informed throughout the process and they are more likely to buy-in to any new venture.
3. Appoint a Product Champion
It helps if you have a person/ people in house who have a thorough working knowledge of the product. These ‘Super Users’ can offer first line support & encouragement to their colleagues and ensure any admin/ upkeep of the system is done in a timely manner.
If a product is seen to be well administered and efficient staff are more likely to adopt to as part of their working routine.
4. Training & Support
We recommend that you start as you mean to go on and ensure that all relevant staff receive full training. You may have an in-house Super User but the more staff are familiar with the new system the more comfortable they will be.
Check any potential provider can offer you full and ongoing support. A named account manager or regular point of contact is even better. If your employees have questions after the training you want them to feel they are not alone. This helps ride out the crucial initial period until using a product/ system becomes second nature.
At Lookout Call we try to ensure that all managers, if not the induvial users, feel comfortable coming to us with queries/ suggestions and receive our regular newsletter full of tips & tricks.
5. Make the System Part of Your Reporting
If you can incorporate your lone worker system into your regular reporting practices so much the better. We have clients who frequently use the Admin Portal to obtain usage reports and audit trails of alarms raised.
Some companies make the use of Lookout Call mandatory for remote workers, however whether or not staff are compelled to use the system we find the greatest acceptance is in companies where workers are actively rewarded for using lone worker systems.
You might consider awarding prizes at company events or other positive incentives to encourage staff usage of their safety system.
6. Lead by Example
Do you as a manager have the opportunity to use the new system? If you can show your staff that you are using it, even if it is only once or twice a week, that example will encourage them to make it part of their routine.
Nothing speaks louder than leading from the front; no matter what the issue!
Want to know more about deploying a lone worker system?
To find out how Lookout Call could help your organisation speak to our team +44 1223 427 or brian@c3.co.uk