There are plenty of reasons you might be considering a change of social value software. It moves fast. We’re seeing an influx of new regulatory requirements and your existing solution might not allow you to capture the data you’ll soon be liable for. Your approach to social value and ESG may have matured over recent years and you’ve outgrown your current setup. Or perhaps this is your first foray into the social value software space and you’re ready to ditch the spreadsheets once and for all.
Whatever your reason, this isn’t a process to take lightly. It’s not as simple as performing a quick Google search, finding a reliable-looking provider, and making the switch. Transitioning to a new solution isn’t going to happen overnight. At least not if you want it to be effective long-term. That’s because it marks a significant change in your processes. And that’s going to affect practically everyone in your organisation.
Like any other significant business change, investing in new social value technology will only work if you’re bringing your staff along with you. So with this in mind, we’re sharing our advice for making this transition period simpler and easier for your people.
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Include staff in the decision-making process
Staff will feel more engaged with a new solution if they’re brought along for the entire process. From recognising you need a change to choosing your new provider. Open conversations early on about why you’re looking for something new. How do you hope a new solution will benefit your staff? How will it help people and the planet?
It’s inevitable that big decisions about which provider you choose will fall on the shoulders of those at the top. But when they aren’t going to be the ones using the software on a daily basis, it’s important you also get the opinions and perspectives of your staff.
Share the different options you’re considering. Ask for feedback on what they do and don’t like. Allow them space to communicate any reservations they have or anxieties about switching altogether.
Focus on usability
There are plenty of tools out there, all promising the world and saying they can help you change it. But, amongst all the bells and whistles, you want to focus on finding a solution that’s usable and accessible for staff.
Aside from allowing you to increase your impact and capture more relevant data, the whole point of social value software is to address the core challenges your team faces on a daily basis. It’s about saving time, increasing productivity and efficiency, and streamlining tedious data admin.
Look for solutions that keep it simple. Ones that automate a lot of the data admin that usually eat up time. And that are easy to understand – no matter how tech-savvy a staff member might be.
You can create the most powerful initiatives out there, but you’re still relying on your staff to be able to track and document your progress. So put their needs first. Plus, the more efficient and accessible your solution is, the more streamlined your staff’s days will be, and the more time they have for other responsibilities.
Offer upskilling where necessary
As social value becomes more regulated, we’re seeing tech take centre stage. With a lot of data to capture and analyse, it’s inevitable that tech will fill the necessary gaps. But what if your team isn’t confident with technology?
Helen in procurement might know who the construction big hitters are. But she won’t necessarily know how to analyse social value commitments to find the greatest social return on investment. Or how to use this tool you’ve just invested in to simplify the process.
There is a very real tech skills gap in a lot of organisations. So while you’re choosing increasingly digitised processes, make sure your team is developing at the same rate.
Offer upskilling to all staff as you introduce new solutions and processes. As their roles evolve and adapt to the digital world, it’s important they know they’re supported as they learn the ropes. This way, they’re less likely to feel overwhelmed and stressed at work. And you can ensure you’re getting the most out of your investments – with people that are confident and engaged with the systems you put in place.
Switching social value software – no matter how necessary – can be a big transition for your staff. All of a sudden there’s a whole new process to get to grips with. And so it falls onto your shoulders to help navigate your people through this change.
Impact is an intelligent, intuitive tool for capturing, evaluating, and reporting your social value. Putting the entire process on autopilot, we’re refreshingly easy to use, and will make capturing your full impact simpler than ever. To find out more, schedule a demo or get in touch with the team on 0161 532 4752.