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In today’s ever-evolving state of business, investing in enterprise technology isn’t optional—it’s absolutely essential. Companies are pouring millions into cutting-edge systems to drive efficiency, boost customer experience, and outpace competitors. But despite these massive investments, many organizations fail to see the expected returns. The underlying cause can be surprisingly simple. As Raymond and I were brainstorming this piece, we had a bit of an “aha!” moment, realizing the crucial factor was right there all along: change management.
Enterprise technology can transform a business—but only if people use it effectively. When change management is missing from the equation, even the best tools can end up underutilized, misunderstood, or outright abandoned. This leads to wasted resources, disengaged employees, and a failure to capitalize on potential competitive advantages.
The numbers don’t lie. According to Deloitte’s Global Technology Leadership Study, nearly 60% of IT investments are underutilized due to poor integration and ineffective change management. That means more than half of an organization’s tech budget could be going down the drain simply because people aren’t using the tools correctly—or at all.
And it’s not just IT investments that take a hit. Gallup research shows that highly engaged teams are 21% more productive and generate 21% higher profitability than disengaged teams. Without an intentional change management strategy, employee buy-in suffers, productivity plummets, and revenue takes a serious hit.
Even worse, employee disengagement doesn’t just cost companies money—it bleeds them dry. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) estimates that disengaged employees cost US businesses $450 to $500 billion per year. Companies that fail to prioritize change management don’t just miss out on potential profits—they actively contribute to this staggering loss.
With organizations relying on more digital tools than ever before, many are taking a step back to ask: Do we really need all these platforms? Enter tech stack consolidation: the process of streamlining an organization’s software ecosystem to reduce complexity, save money, and improve efficiency.
Companies consolidate their tech stacks to:
But while tech stack consolidation sounds great on paper, it can turn into an operational nightmare without proper change management.
While tech stack consolidation makes sense on paper, it can be an operational disaster without proper change management. Here’s what happens when companies fail to manage the transition effectively:
The result? Wasted time, lost revenue, and frustrated employees.
A new tool is emerging in the change management landscape: AI-driven change management agents. While not a silver bullet, these digital assistants can help organizations navigate complex transitions faster and more efficiently.
AI-driven change management agents can act as digital coaches, guiding employees through transitions by:
While AI-driven agents offer powerful advantages, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Successful change management requires a multi-faceted approach that includes:
The rapid pace of technological advancement means that change is happening whether companies are ready or not. Organizations that embed change management into their digital transformation strategies gain a massive competitive edge. What companies stand to gain from prioritizing change management:
Technology investments alone don’t drive success—adoption does. Companies that invest in structured change management strategies don’t just protect their tech investments, they unlock higher engagement, greater efficiency, and stronger financial returns. The question isn’t whether your company needs change management—it’s whether you can afford to ignore it.
At SH/FT, we specialize in ensuring that technology adoption doesn’t just happen—it thrives. We help businesses implement seamless change management strategies that drive enterprise-wide adoption, maximize ROI, and keep employees engaged throughout the process.
Ultimately, partnering with SH/FT means investing in a transformation that puts your people first – where technology isn’t just implemented, it’s genuinely adopted. Ready to future-proof your business? Given that digital transformation is no longer optional, companies that prioritize a structured, AI-enhanced approach to change management are positioned for significant competitive advantage and real business impact. Don’t let poor change management jeopardize your investments. Let’s team up to make your technology adoption seamless, strategic, and truly successful.
Co-Authored in partnership with Christina Matrocola and Raymond Blaisedell from the Business and Operations & Tech Services Team at SH/FT.