As we’ve discussed, improving productivity is a top priority for both business and IT, according to the latest Tech Insights Report. Efforts are already being made by midsize organizations to evaluate new technology that will enable effective and efficient workforce communication and collaboration, with 85% of companies planning to roll out new technology in the next couple of years and 51% already in the process of deploying new solutions.

However, despite these initiatives, productivity gains have been surprisingly low during this so-called “tech boom.” If technology is getting better, and companies are actively investing in new technology, then why do organizations still struggle to see greater productivity gains in their investment?

Our findings show that a lack of cultural change management strategy may be the biggest culprit for low success rates of these IT initiatives. Despite business’ claims to want to improve productivity, only 12% have a clearly defined strategy for enabling their people in the face of change.

The Changing Role of IT

Today, technology has become deeply integrated into everything we do. Deploying a solution is no longer the last step to a successful IT project. Ensuring the users are leveraging the solution to their full potential, and the business is getting a return on their technology investment, is the new measurement of success. Often, these soft skills are not part of the typical internal IT job description.

To further complicate this issue, the pace at which technology is impacting the way we work is speeding up. Without an immersive, ongoing strategy, the very technology that is supposed to make our lives easier can actually lead to more frequent disruption in our work lives. Without input and context for the changes taking place, users are growing increasingly frustrated with the disruption in their day-to-day work, leading to a lack of trust in IT, increased resistance to new technology capabilities, and looming risks associated with Shadow IT.

Supporting Adoption of New Technology Through Managed Services

The constant assessment, implementation, and enablement of new technology in the workplace is fast becoming a challenge for most organizations to manage. It’s not surprising that 92% of businesses we surveyed are outsourcing certain aspects of their IT.

The data shows that the majority of companies are looking for outsourced providers to assist with project-based initiatives. This is a cost-effective way for midsize businesses gain access to the specialized skills needed to complete highly complex IT projects, such as advanced data analytics/machine learning, cloud migrations, and cybersecurity assessments. However, after these projects finish, the teams tend to disband and the end-users are expected to drive the success of the project home with little to no context or training. With only 6% of organizations seeking outsourced support to help with user enablement and adoption, it’s no wonder the success rate of IT projects remains notoriously low.

Gone are the days where deploying a technology solution is the last step to a successful IT project. Ensuring the users are leveraging the solution to their full potential, and the business is realizing an actual return on their technology investment, is the new measurement of success.

As the movement towards IT outsourcing picks up speed, companies should be looking for a partner who can deliver not only on the technical capabilities but also on the change management capabilities needed to enable a company’s most valuable asset – its people!