How To Help Tech-Averse Employees Switch From GIRO To eGIRO?

By finance

There are a multitude of reasons that contribute to the widening popularity of eGIRO amongst businesses in Singapore. However, a huge share of credit can be given to the fact that eGIRO has features that are absent from traditional GIRO. These characteristics include:

  • 24/7 availability
  • Completely electronic process
  • Easier integration with accounting software
  • Faster and secure setup 
  • Quicker fund transfer

While the upgraded and added features may catch the eyes of most businesses, like a dollar bill rolled in glitter, some businesses have not yet transitioned to eGIRO due to apprehension. One source of apprehension could be the unfamiliarity of employees in handling electronic systems. This article particularly focuses on the roles of business owners in making such tech-averse employees more progressive toward eGIRO.

1. Identifying the issue:

  • Tech resistance may be obvious when a business relies on traditional GIRO since its inception. Although employees may be familiar with operating a computer, they may find it difficult to integrate eGIRO into workflows. This could happen because employees may not have suitably qualified colleagues to guide them through the process. Without a guide, they may fear making mistakes and completely avoid using eGIRO, knowing that they would’ve no one to turn to in case of a mishap.
  • Another situation where tech resistance may be obvious is when employees lack the knowledge to operate a computer. Low to no technological literacy can make employees feel negatively about using eGIRO for payments.

2. Addressing resistance:

  • In the case where employees are fearful of making mistakes but are open to learning, employers can ensure that sufficient training is provided along with information on whom to reach out to if doubts arise.
  • If employees are completely unaware of how to operate tools, including a computer, employers can sponsor preliminary computer training for them. Although the process would take time, it’ll preserve the employer’s reputation and connection with the employees.

3. Offering training:

  • In either case, it’s essential for the employer to introduce people who have the skills and knowledge to navigate the process of making eGIRO payments. 
  • Employers should gauge each employee’s technological literacy and connect them with a mentor who expands their existing knowledge. 
  • To do this, businesses can hire people on a contract or contact professional development agencies if they don’t want to hire someone full-time.
  • It would also be beneficial to provide technological training that extends beyond teaching eGIRO setup. Employers may also teach employees about how to operate eGIRO-integrated accounting software.

4. Providing manuals and peer support:

  • While providing live demonstrations of setting up eGIRO payments would be helpful, providing supplementary materials would always be required because employees may forget certain procedures.
  • User manuals can be helpful if the company has limited mentors and large teams, in which case, it’ll be difficult for mentors to address timely queries of all employees dealing with eGIRO payments.
  • Alternatively, businesses can train employees in batches and assign peer mentors to each untrained employee along with user manuals.  

5. Receiving feedback:

  • Learning is not just for employees. Employers should also be open to feedback at all times.
  • Employees may have issues with the training methodology or the mentor, which can impede learning. Employees should always feel supported when they face an issue.
  • Likewise, employers should quickly adjust their training programs. Leaving requests unresolved for a long time would translate to inadequate training, leaving more room for costly errors when employees actually start setting up eGIRO arrangements.

Wrapping up, the transition from GIRO to eGIRO can be a strategic step to profitability for every business. Timely payments can not only enhance vendor relationships but also make it easier for financial teams to manage accounts. However, profitability can suffer if employees are not sufficiently trained or have not gotten accustomed to eGIRO. Thus, employers should follow the steps outlined in this article to offer support to all employees who lack technological skills, especially those pertaining to eGIRO.