Tech Alone Won't Fix Your Workplace Problems

It's everywhere at the moment – the promise that if you buy new technology, your old problems will magically disappear. This isn't just about personal gadgets; it's infiltrated our workplaces too. My organisation is constantly pushing AI as the solution to loads of different problems.But remember: buying stuff does not solve everybody's problems. Trying to solve deeper culture workplace issues with tech is like putting a plaster on a headache. Sure, you’ve done some first aid, but was it really worth it?

The Technology Dopamine Hit

When new technology lands on your desk, there's that familiar little rush of excitement. Depending on your technological aptitude, you might think "This is brilliant! I can't wait to try it!" You imagine improved productivity – websites loading quicker, spreadsheets computing faster, emails writing themselves.I’m as guilty as anyone else at this. I love a new bit of technology, and will spend time tweaking and getting it for how I want to work (although that will actually lower productivity!).But here's the thing: technology doesn't fix the stuff that really matters in most workplaces.

The Real Problem

The main reason for workplace negativity? People simply don't talk to each other properly.We need to reset and rethink how we approach workplaces. Yes, technology in workplaces allows us to connect in ways we couldn't have imagined just two or three years ago. The pandemic accelerated this in unprecedented ways. We have incredible tools for collaboration that genuinely transform how we can work together across distances.That's all fantastic – but if you're not working well with the people you're collaborating with, all the technology in the world isn't going to save you.

A Better Investment Strategy

Before businesses make big investments in the latest AI or tech solution, I'd urge them to put systems in place to ensure their teams actually communicate properly. Not just with notifications that take attention away from work, but making sure they understand effective ways of working across distances.If you don't do this foundational work first, you'll end up with exactly the same problems – just in higher definition, or with an AI telling you about issues it doesn't really understand. Will Chat GPT help you be more clear with Marjorie in HR, who really doesn’t understand your part time working request? I doubt it.

What Should You Do Instead?

Rather than throwing money at the latest tech, consider these investments:Coaching and conflict resolution – Look at how much a coach would cost, or invest in conflict resolution training for your teams. This kind of work genuinely helps break down barriers and brings people together in ways that wouldn't happen naturally.In-person connection – Organise face-to-face meetings and team-building exercises. I know everyone rolls their eyes at icebreakers, but they're genuinely important for building morale across distributed teams. When we're in a room together, we pick up so much more and understand each other on a completely different level.Yes, it's expensive. Yes, it's tricky to organise. Yes, you'll need to dedicate proper time to it. But then you have to donate time to organising and purchasing IT changes. Investing in people is absolutely worth it in the long run.

Keep Technology Simple

If your current tech is working, don't overcomplicate things. I constantly see technology companies adding unnecessary features to perfectly good, well-loved applications. This just creates confusion and makes team members feel silly when they haven't kept up with every update – which undermines team dynamics in small but very real ways.

If you do insist on new technology instead

Before implementing any new technology, ask yourself: What specific benefit is this supposed to deliver?If your team knows exactly how the technology should help them, they can measure its success and provide meaningful feedback. If the only answer is something vague like "making emails easier to write" (which should be a skill we develop anyway), then what's the point?People need real, tangible benchmarks to test new technology against. And they need to be able to give honest feedback about whether it's actually helping.

The Bottom Line

This all comes back to encouraging open, facilitative conversations. If you can't do that in your business – regardless of size – you're going to struggle, whether with your own team or with customers.Technology is a tool, not a cure. Fix your communication first, then let technology amplify what's already working well.Looking to improve communication and resolve workplace conflicts? Get in touch to discuss how coaching can help your team work better together.