How to Introduce New Technology to Union Employees
Include the union in the decision-making process as soon as you can. The more involved they are, and the quicker they’re brought into the loop, the easier it will be to drive long-term adoption.
Talk to your team about criteria and impact
Schedule joint demo calls with providers
Get approval for workflow changes
Have the union endorse the technology
Select a pilot team for a trial run
Be intentional in the rollout
Gather feedback early and often
Talk to Your Team About Criteria and Impact
Talk to your union representatives and your team. Engage them in a dialogue about the impact of the technology. Ask for input. Have the team assist in rating the importance of the decision criteria.
Your employees may be more open to technology than you’d think. For example, 70% of workers prefer text for employee communications.
Schedule Joint Demo Calls with Providers
Add the union to initial demo calls with the technology provider to allow them to experience the solution and ask questions along the way. The union will better understand the considerations needed and a clear understanding of the problem to be solved.
Get Approval for Workflow Changes
Get approval directly from the union if the technology changes employee workflows, like time-off requests or the call-out process.
Have the Union Endorse the Technology
Have the union communicate their endorsement of the technology directly to your employees and assure them it doesn’t violate their CBA.
Select a Pilot Team for a Trial Run
Leverage the union leadership to hand-select pilot teams for the technology. Ask the union team to identify a group that best represents the harshest critics of the new solution - if you can win this group over, the others will be a breeze.
Be Intentional in the Roll Out
Include creative ways to introduce the technology. First impressions are hard to overcome. Be thoughtful and intentional of the first-use experience and how you roll it out to your team.
Gather Feedback Early and Often
Solicit feedback early and often from your team and union reps. Send out employee surveys to ensure the technology is working for your team. Be open to their responses and make adjustments when necessary.