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Tech Resolution #4: Train Your Team

IT training doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. When teams understand the tools they use every day, businesses see fewer errors, less frustration, and better use of their existing technology. Investing in high-level, ongoing training helps turn technology from a source of stress into a tool that actually supports productivity and growth. Small, consistent improvements – like automating one task at a time – add up quickly and make a measurable difference across the organization. 


Step 1: Define What “Good Technology Use” Looks Like

Before training begins, companies should clearly define expectations for how technology is used day to day.

At a minimum, employees should understand:

  • Which tools are considered approved and why

  • Where core work should live (email vs. Teams, local files vs. SharePoint, etc.)

  • What “efficient” and “secure” usage looks like in practice

This step prevents confusion, shadow IT, and inconsistent workflows before they start.


Step 2: Train on the Tools Employees Actually Use Every Day

Training should focus on core systems, not edge cases or advanced features.

High-level topics to cover:

  • Email, collaboration, and file management best practices

  • How to avoid duplicate work across tools

  • Simple automation or shortcuts built into existing platforms (e.g., M365, Google Workspace)

The goal is confidence and consistency – not mastery.


Step 3: Teach Employees How to Save Time (Not Just How to Click Buttons)

This is where training becomes valuable instead of tedious.

Employees should learn:

  • How to spot repetitive tasks that can be automated

  • When to use templates, rules, or workflows

  • When to ask for help improving a process instead of working around it

This step directly supports your “automate one task each week” resolution.


Step 4: Include Basic Security and Risk Awareness

Every technology training should include security context, even at a high level.

  • Why certain rules exist (MFA, password managers, device policies)

  • How to identify phishing emails 
  • Common mistakes that lead to security incidents

  • How employee behavior impacts company risk

This keeps security from feeling abstract or fear based.


Step 5: Make Training Ongoing and Bite-Sized

Effective training isn’t a once-a-year event.

Best practices include:

  • Short, repeatable training moments

  • Regular refreshers when tools change

  • Clear ownership for keeping training current

This reduces overwhelm and increases adoption.


Step 6: Reinforce, Measure, and Adjust

Training should evolve as the business does.

Companies should:

  • Ask for employee feedback

  • Watch where errors or inefficiencies persist

  • Adjust training based on real usage – not assumptions

This closes the loop and keeps training relevant.

Have more questions about this topic? Contact us for answers, guidance, or support.

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