Into the cloud without training? 5 typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Migration to the cloud not only changes a company's IT landscape, it also has a direct impact on processes, working methods and day-to-day collaboration in specialist departments. Nevertheless, one crucial aspect is often underestimated: the targeted training of employees.
The assumption often prevails: The teams can do this without instructions. After all, the basic tasks work in most cases even without in-depth knowledge. A good example from everyday life is the infamous microwave: it wakes up the whole household at night with an unwanted signal tone when you just wanted a small snack. With a glance at the instructions, you would have known how to switch off the signal tone, but so far it has worked quite well without instructions. The same principle applies in everyday working life: just one small detail is missing and unnecessary disruptions occur. These could have been avoided with the right instructions.
The situation is similar with cloud projects: without accompanying training, important potential remains untapped, processes come to a standstill and the project falls short of its potential. To prevent this from happening, we show you five typical mistakes and how to avoid them:
Error 1: New processes are not explained
The cloud is changing central processes, from approvals and collaboration to document management. Many companies are handing over new tools on the assumption that the specialist departments will "somehow find their way around".
As a result, processes are carried out inefficiently or incorrectly and old patterns of behavior are simply continued.
SolutionTrain the affected processes in a targeted manner. Not only the "how", but also the "why" must be understandable. Demonstrate the benefits that the new process will bring for your team. Only when employees recognize the meaning behind new processes can they really accept them.
Mistake 2: Tools are introduced without explaining them
Whether Microsoft 365, Google Workspace or industry-specific SaaS solutions: New applications require more than just a technical introduction.
The result: functions remain unused or are misunderstood - frustration and additional support requests are the consequence.
SolutionOffer practical training courses that take the teams' everyday work into account and, above all, show them the little tips and tricks that enrich their everyday work. It is not enough to be able to switch on the microwave - it is crucial to know how to switch off the signal tone!
Mistake 3: Collaboration works as before - only worse
The cloud opens up new opportunities for collaboration, such as working together on documents or cross-location teams. However, without training, many employees fall back on old ways of working that no longer make sense in the cloud.
The result: chaos with file versions, inefficient communication, lost time.
SolutionDefine clear rules and best practices for collaboration. This includes structures for file storage, role assignments or the sensible use of comment functions.
Mistake 4: Specialist departments are not involved
Many cloud projects are viewed from a purely technical perspective. Specialist departments receive new tools without having been involved in the selection or design beforehand.
The result: low acceptance and resistance to change.
SolutionInvolve the specialist departments right from the start. Training should be tailored to specific tasks so that the benefits of the new tools can be recognized by everyone involved.
Mistake 5: There is no contact person after the training
One-off training sessions are rarely enough. Without further support, it is difficult to anchor new ways of working permanently.
As a result, acquired knowledge is lost and uncertainties remain.
Solution: Establish sustainable structures - for example through internal "power users", digital learning platforms or regular Q&A sessions. Long-term support is the key to success.
Our conclusion:
A cloud migration is more than just a technical upgrade. It changes the way people work on a daily basis. Those who forgo training here risk unnecessary friction losses - similar to the night-time microwave that only wakes everyone up because no one has looked at the instructions. With the right measures, a good cloud migration can become a lasting success!
For precisely these reasons, we rely on accompanying Training on the job - not just after the project has been completed, but during the entire migration process. In this way, we ensure that technological changes are understood, accepted and applied in everyday life at an early stage. You can find more information about our training concept and our support services at here.
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