While not all businesses are rooted in the ever-changing world of technology, it’s safe to assume that most will rely on evolving standards to stay competitive. After all, the modern office is moving more and more towards a ‘hybrid’ model, where some employees work off-site, and others remain at HQ. But even then, as we move closer to mid-decade, some businesses stay ‘hands-off’ regarding tech-savviness.
Depending on what you do and offer your clients, you may not always need the flashier equipment and a full IT team back of house. However, there’s growing evidence to suggest that if you stand a chance of growing and competing healthily in the modern age, your hires need to be tech-savvy by default.
If you’ve not yet made tech-savviness a priority for your hiring system, here are a few reasons why making that change is so important.
Tech skills are transferable
Given that we all rely on technology in some shape or form, it makes sense that any interest in technology will be transferable. That doesn’t mean you can expect a tech-savvy hire to leave your company for another! Rather, it means that a technologically-proficient hire will be easier to deploy across your various teams than others.
For example, a tech-savvy hire could be particularly useful in billing and accounts simply because they can enter and pull data efficiently. In customer service, a tech-minded employee could help customers access services and tools easier with simple walkthroughs. Of course, these employees will be particularly helpful in tech support, too!
This means you’ll be able to upscale your business as and when you wish without having to constantly hire new specialists. In many cases, tech skills are becoming a ‘default’ option for new hires!
Tech skills apply to all industries and niches
As mentioned, your business doesn’t have to revolve around IT or technology in any shape or form to benefit from a technological skillset. It’s safe to assume that most of your customers and clients will be comfortable and even savvy with tech all on their own – meaning, why shouldn’t your team members and specialists follow suit?
For example, banking experts such as Julio Herrera Velutini have built lucrative careers partly thanks to embracing the tech revolution. Banking – and the tech it revolved around – looked markedly different when Herrera Velutini first started out compared to now.
Knowing how to use technology to your benefit is no longer a perk but a necessity. Regardless of what you do – even if you’re a Mom-and-Pop store, you can use a tech-savvy team member to help you reach more people (as an example!).
Tech keeps you up to speed
If there’s anything that brings all consumers and customers together in the modern age, it’s the demand for instant results. While we can use the word ‘instant’ loosely here, it’s safe to say that modern connectivity and app culture have helped provide people with the results they demand when they request them.
That means businesses need to become speedier at supporting their customers, ensuring the operation is ready to answer and serve consumers as soon as they need you. You’ll need a reactive call center and online service, and you’ll also need to back up data with a responsive cloud platform for extra security. Of course, every business will vary in this regard – but it’s a key example of why tech savviness matters from a customer’s perspective.
Failing to meet your customers’ tech needs and instant service demands could leave your business in the dust. Observe how your rivals manage their demands – what are they doing to upscale their enterprises?
In many cases, it’ll be by simply hiring the right tech-savvy people. Don’t just assume a new hire will know their way around your operating system and procedures just because they’re a millennial! Dig deep into their experience and hire people who can help you grow.
Tech knowledge is no longer just a perk
While there may be hiring challenges within IT and elsewhere, it’s safe to assume that tech knowledge ranks high on the list of must-haves from industry to industry. It’s no longer a perk – in order to provide the best service to your customers and clients, your team must be ready to use a variety of systems and meet urgent demands with little to no hesitation.
Don’t be afraid to hire with a technological mindset at the forefront of your strategy. After all, tech is constantly evolving – and with the right employees, you can always ensure your business is ready to scale up with emerging trends and demands as they roll into view.
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