Implementing Copilot: How to Prepare for Change

Microsoft Copilot is emerging as one of the most powerful and beneficial tools for modern businesses. But how can leaders ensure they’re implementing Copilot in a way that’s best for their employees?

From improving communication to maximising productivity, Microsoft Copilot is a true game changer. Acting as an always-on support system, it sits alongside employees to give them the help they need, when they need it. So if you’re thinking about implementing Copilot, you’re making a smart move. 

There’s just one problem.

No one likes change. Especially not employees. Which is a bit strange, isn’t it?

After all, a huge number of today’s workers say they’re struggling, with just 41% feeling they’re performing optimally. 80% of UK employees believe that tools to help them automate tasks would change their day-to-day lives for the better, yet only 21% feel they have access to these tools. 

So why wouldn’t employees be excited to embrace change? To finally get the tools they want? 

According to researchers, ‘Change – even when it’s for the general good of employees and they desire it – can meet with resistance.’ Why? Because, as studies conclude, change is ‘jarring’. 

And it’s even worse when trying to implement AI-based change. 

The AI change problem

Tools like Microsoft Copilot are driven by artificial intelligence technology, which brings its own unique set of challenges when it comes to embracing change. Reports show that workers are concerned that AI will force them to have to learn new skills they’re not confident they have the ability to learn. Workers are also said to be anxious that AI tools will change the nature of their work. Some feel that these modern technologies will take over, and will eventually make them redundant. Additionally, 61% are wary about trusting AI systems, and 73% are worried about potential risks. 

So what’s the solution? 

We should be focusing on two things:

1. Trying to make change less jarring and disruptive

2. Improving familiarity and comfort when it comes to using AI 

Fortunately, there are a few ways to do both when implementing Copilot into your organisation…

1. Research

Work to empower employees, and encourage them to take charge of their own learning. Allowing them the opportunity to carry out their own research into Copilot is crucial. Why? Because it enables them to personalise their experience and better understand the elements of the software that are most relevant to their own interests and needs. 

For example, we can go on and on about how great Copilot is at idea generation and writing. But if an employee needs to analyse data and identify trends, this means very little. Allow them to discover the benefits that matter most to them. The Microsoft Copilot website is a good starting point, along with our blog and the Reliable Learning Hub.

2. Training

It’s important to develop a training plan, so that, once Copilot has been implemented, your employees are supported as they begin to really get to grips with the software. 

Preparing for training is something that’s often overlooked during the change process. In fact, despite investments in new technologies rising, just 1 in 10 businesses are properly training their staff to use these tools. This is resulting in three-quarters of IT leaders being dissatisfied with employees’ abilities. 

If you’re interested in getting a training plan in place, check out our Copilot for Microsoft 365 service. User training is included as standard, ensuring all stakeholders can use the technology with confidence. 

3. Demonstrations

One of the biggest reasons why change is jarring is because – even having done research, and knowing how to use a new piece of software – there’s still a sizeable disconnect between theory and practice. You can understand everything on paper, but applying the features, functions, and usability of new tools to real world environments can still be tricky. 

That’s where demonstrations come in. Demonstrations are designed to carefully and explicitly show how tools can fit into real situations. They’re powerful at bridging the gap between knowing about Copilot in a general way, and actually understanding how Copilot will seamlessly merge into your own organisation. 

Here at Reliable, we’re hosting our own Copilot demonstration workshop. Join us at the Lansdowne Club in London on 27th March to see Copilot in action, learn about its unique features, and uncover the benefits. Be sure to reserve your seat in advance as there are just 20 places available. 

Gregory Olczyk

Gregory Olczyk