Consider these tips for IT change communication
Simplifying IT jargon
With a big transition to a mostly remote workforce, workplace technology
is now more important
than ever.
That’s why you need to
set employees up for success by building a better understanding of the tools they use every day.
The problem is all the
IT jargon around tools’ capabilities can make them seem overly complicated.
1
As a good rule, pretend you are explaining the change to someone who has no technical knowledge.
If your language is simple enough for them to understand, employees should have no trouble following your messaging.
3
Then, talk to your IT teams directly to get a clear grasp of what the term means and how it impacts workers.
To ensure employees have a good handle on your workplace technology, you should:
Finally, think about how employees talk about these tools and platforms.
TIP
2
Start by looking
up the dictionary definition of the term.
Machine
learning
Legacy systems
The Cloud
Multi-factor
authentication
Asynchronous
communication
Functionality
Check out these common examples of IT language and how you can break it down for employees
The Cloud
How IT
talks about it
How to
talk about it with employees
“Our online document folder allows you to access files from anywhere.”EndFragment
“Data is transmitted and stored via a remote Cloud storage system.”
EndFragment
MENU
The Cloud: information and files housed online, rather than on a physical server.
For example, OneDrive.
Functionality
Functionality: what a device or program is able to do.
“This new system includes robust functionality.”
EndFragment
“The new system includes features to make your job easier.”EndFragment
Legacy systems
“All legacy systems will be decommissioned over the next two months.”
EndFragmentEndFragment
Legacy systems: a system that has since been replaced. For example, Skype for Business.
“Over the next two months, we will transition everyone to the new system, while old tools and programs will be shut down.”EndFragment
Machine learning
“Our computer systems use machine learning by analyzing and drawing inferences from data patterns.”
EndFragmentEndFragment
Machine learning: an algorithm able to “learn” and improve over time. For example, most intranet search functions.
“The tool continually learns and improves—providing you with more accurate data the more you use it.”EndFragment
Asynchronous communication
“Our newest collaboration tools allow you to brainstorm solutions and interact with colleagues on your own time.”EndFragment
Asynchronous communication: a form of communication that doesn’t require users to interact at the same time. For example, email, Yammer, Facebook, etc.
“Our new asynchronous communication system doesn’t require simultaneous interaction.”
EndFragmentEndFragment
“When you log in to the intranet, you may be asked to respond to a prompt on your phone.”EndFragment
“Multi-factor authentication is required to access the intranet.”
EndFragment EndFragment
Multi-factor authentication: an authentication method for a website or application that requires two or more pieces of evidence to verify your identity. For example, banking and finance websites.
Multi-factor authentication
Check out these common examples of IT language and how you can break it down for employees:
If your language is simple enough, employees will have no trouble understanding your messaging.
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