Home featured Featured Tech Featured Aussie resistance to change leading to tech lag Loren Webb October 21, 2019 In order to stay globally competitive, businesses need to invest in their staff, building future-ready and technology-focused skills. However, independent research by specialised recruiter Robert Half shows that Australian employers find it significantly more challenging to train and hire staff to implement new technologies compared to their global peers. 87% of Australian business leaders say it will be challenging to train staff on new technology – above the global average (78%). The three main barriers are: resistance to change (33%), insufficient training for employees (33%) and the effort or cost being greater than the benefits (32%). 78% find it difficult to recruit talent with appropriate IT skills – above the global average of 71%. To assist, 38% will hire contract/interim staff who are subject matter experts (vs 31% globally). Barriers to adapting to new technology While business leaders understand the importance of training to assist with adapting and implementing new technologies within their organisations, many think their efforts could be hampered by organisational challenges. Almost nine in 10 (87%) Australian managers anticipate challenges in upskilling staff to adapt to new technology, well above the global average of 78%. On a national level, the research shows that the three biggest barriers Australian leaders face with their employees are resistance to change (33%), insufficient training for employees (33%) and the effort or cost to implement new technologies being greater than the benefits (32%). “While