These days, most organizations are striving for an improved digital employee experience. But what about the cybersecurity element?
Typically, most security execs concentrate on how cybersecurity risks are making their way into the organization (the ‘outside-in’ approach). Even our own security executives at BrainStorm admit that employee experience isn't always top of mind. Data security comes first.
Truth is, hackers are indeed becoming more sophisticated and persistent, which means it’s harder than ever to keep data secure. But an ‘inside-out’ approach (employee experience) also matters. Here’s why.
According to a Forrester report, Best Practices: Technology Experience Management (available to Forrester subscribers or for purchase), an employee's experience with technology plays an important role in employee engagement.
An effective digital experience is also linked to improved business outcomes, lower costs, and improved security.
As a security executive, you know that progress for progress’ sake isn’t always secure. If you’re in a small business, you’re likely juggling multiple responsibilities, reviewing potential solutions to your most vexing security challenges, and getting buy-in from your entire organization.
It takes time and patience to build a digitally secure experience for employees. But it’s easier when you are fully aware of the challenges and opportunities in your path.
What are common roadblocks to improving employees' digital experience? And how do you overcome those challenges?
Forrester surveyed over 1,200 tech leaders who are looking to improve their digital employee experience. Survey responses indicate five overarching concerns:
Challenge: “Where do we start?” It takes planning, research, and data to provide the best tools and improve the employee experience.
Of surveyed organizations, only 34% are collecting feedback, and 20% are applying design-thinking approaches to employee tasks.
Tip: Start with collaboration technology, information access, and security policies. Be sure to collect feedback throughout the year from multiple sources. And use real-time telemetry to benchmark the experience.
Tip: To determine ownership, create a dedicated digital employee experience team. Have them think about improvement as a product. Also, determine goals and metrics for IT service staff to help get their buy-in.
Tip: Address legacy tech by migrating to the cloud. Also, increase skill development and automate inefficient legacy processes.
Challenge: “How do we get employees to use the new tech?” Managing change is an ongoing challenge in the modern workplace. Successful organizations develop a change management strategy.
Only 38% of organizations say they’re increasing access to training and skill development.
Tip: Build a plan to help employees embrace the new technology. Communicate, collaborate, designate champions, and collect consistent feedback after the adoption push.
Next, consider the cybersecurity implications of employee experience.
If data security is your first concern, naturally you’ll make technology decisions around that top goal. But not all employees share these concerns.
Here’s a classic example. An employee hears about a new app that has helpful features. It looks nice, it’s brand-new, and has just the features they’re looking for. In sum—the employee believes this ‘shiny new toy’ will improve their work experience.
What’s missing here?
No matter how you protect your data, just one false step by an employee could leak sensitive information to bad actors. Just another ongoing challenge for security professionals.
To help prevent unintentional data breaches, teach your employees safe habits. Consider involving the technology champions at your organization. Champions help encourage employees by example and by answering key questions.
Most importantly, teach employees how to build secure behaviors. A once-annual security awareness training simply isn’t enough anymore. Top user security behaviors include:
With the autonomy that comes from working remotely, security risks are higher than ever. How will your users know how to keep data safe?
Good news. With careful planning and training, you can improve the digital employee experience and teach secure habits.
Naturally, many learning solutions exist. Make sure your solution covers these basics:
To get your software adoption and security training started on the right foot, download this digital transformation guide.