In a world where digital tools have become an inseparable part of our work, our relationship with technology is just as important as relationships among colleagues. If we neglect it, even the best tools can remain underused–and with them the opportunities for greater efficiency.

First the relationship, then efficiency

Sometimes, in the desire for greater efficiency, we jump straight to buying a technological solution: we roll out a new tool, a new platform, a new app – and expect results. But just like with human relationships, the same applies to technology: without a good relationship, there’s no real collaboration.

Before we talk about numbers, goals, and efficiency, we should ask:

• How do employees even perceive technology?
• Does it excite them? Scare them? Leave them cold?
• Do we encourage exploration, learning, and curiosity in our companies?

Efficiency begins where people see technology as an opportunity – not just another obligation.

Curiosity: the fuel for our relationship with technology

Digital literacy is the baseline today, but the real difference happens when people take a step further. When they’re not just passive users but become digitally curious.

A positive relationship with technology means someone doesn’t see Excel as just a “program for adding up numbers,” but as a tool for analysis, visualization, even automation. It means that when a new solution is introduced, we don’t wait for precise “how-to” instructions–we dare to explore, ask questions, and look for ways that make work easier.

And to be honest – this isn’t achieved with a one-off training session. We need an environment that encourages safe exploration, mistakes, and learning. Curiosity doesn’t happen by accident – we have to create space for it.

Some have woven curiosity into their culture by organizing “Curiosity Fridays” within the team–each Friday, one team member gets a chance to present an interesting feature they discovered in everyday tools (e.g., how to automate data entry into a CRM with a simple macro). The idea wasn’t to grade knowledge but to foster a culture of “let’s see what else we can do”.

Implementing technology: not a checkbox, but a journey

We often think of technology implementation as a task: install, explain, move on. But if we want new tools to truly take root in daily work, we have to understand implementation as a change process.

And change – if we want it to truly live – requires more:

• Leading through change: Change management isn’t just an extra task; it’s a key part of implementation. We need to help people understand why the new technology is coming, what it brings them, and how they can use it to their advantage.
• Ambassadors: The best encouragement for colleagues isn’t manuals or webinars, but the people around them who are already enthusiastic. Ambassadors who lead by example and show that it pays to explore and embrace new things. If you’re curious how the manufacturing company Weiler Abrasives used internal ambassadors to support digitalization, check out our case study.

Implementation doesn’t end when people say, “This helps me,” “This saves me time,” “This makes work easier.” It ends when the new technology becomes a natural part of their everyday routine.