8 TIPS For Implementing New Technology in Funeral Homes

Seamless technology integration in funeral homes is increasingly vital as the industry evolves to meet modern expectations and operational efficiencies. According to recent research, 70% of employees believe having access to better technology in the workplace would significantly increase their productivity. Here are 8 tips for your funeral home or crematory business to note when implementing new technology for your staff.

ASSESS YOUR EXISTING TECH STACK

Before diving headfirst into the world of new technology, take a moment to assess your existing tech stack. Think of it as digital spring cleaning — dust off those outdated systems and evaluate what’s still serving its purpose and providing value.

By understanding your current tools, you can make informed decisions about what new technology will complement or replace them, ensuring a smooth transition that doesn’t leave you with a jumble of incompatible gadgets. After all, no one wants a tech Frankenstein roaming their funeral home!

INVOLVE YOUR STAFF DURING THE SELECTION PROCESS

In a recent survey from Gartner, it was reported that nearly 75% of leaders say they involve employees in creating a change strategy, but only 42% of employees feel included.

Involving your staff early in the technology integration process is akin to inviting them to the tech party rather than surprising them with it after the fact. By engaging them from the get-go, discovering their current pain points, and involving them during the selection process, you harness their firsthand insights and foster a sense of ownership and enthusiasm for the new tools. Think about it — would you rather teach a willing participant, or drag a reluctant bystander along for the ride?

CHOOSE THE BEST SOLUTION FOR EVERYONE

Choosing the best solution for everyone in your funeral home is like picking a movie for a family night — aim for a crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone engaged and happy.

While some of your staff may prefer cutting-edge technology, others might prefer a simpler, more intuitive option. Striking the right balance ensures that the technology you choose is accessible and beneficial for the majority of your team.

So, channel your inner tech connoisseur and pick a solution that transforms skeptics into enthusiasts, making everyone feel like they’ve earned a front-row seat to the future.

APPOINT THE CHAMPION OR EXPERT

Studies have shown that appointing a change champion or technology expert is critical for ensuring seamless technology integration in your funeral home. Your ‘champion’ is your team’s go-to person for training, troubleshooting, and guiding the team through the new systems.

By centralizing expertise, you streamline the learning process and foster a sense of confidence among staff, knowing they have a knowledgeable and dedicated point of contact. This role not only accelerates adoption but also mitigates resistance, as the expert can effectively address concerns and tailor support to individual needs. In essence, a tech champion is the linchpin that transforms uncertainty into proficiency, driving the successful implementation of new technology.

Important note: if you’re the primary decision maker, it is equally important that you also embrace the new technology in the funeral home. This will help with adoption.

DEVELOP A COMMUNICATION AND TRAINING PLAN

Developing a robust communication and training plan is not just a nicety but a necessity for successful technology integration in funeral homes. Without it, you’re setting yourself up for confusion, resistance, and wasted potential.

Clear communication ensures everyone knows what’s happening and why it matters, while structured training equips staff to use new technology effectively. Don’t gamble on assumptions or expect everyone to figure it out on their own — plan it out, communicate clearly, and train thoroughly to ensure a smooth transition and maximum adoption.

Tools, such as a quick prompt in ChatGPT, are available to help you generate these communication and training plans in minutes instead of hours.

IMPLEMENT NEW TECHNOLOGY IN PHASES

Implementing new technology in phases is the smartest approach for funeral homes aiming to avoid chaos and ensure a smooth transition. Trying to do everything simultaneously is a recipe for disaster, confusion, and overwhelmed staff.

Instead, break it down into manageable stages. Start with a pilot group to iron out kinks and build confidence, then gradually roll it out across departments. This method allows for adjustments based on real-world feedback and minimizes disruption to daily operations. It’s strategic, pragmatic, and the best way to achieve long-term success with minimal headaches.

Additionally, some funeral software providers (like Gather) and funeral tech companies offer unlimited support and training to your staff at no extra cost to your business.

CELEBRATE ADOPTION WITH AN INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Celebrating adoption with an incentive program isn’t just a feel-good gesture — it’s a strategic move to ensure lasting tech integration in funeral homes. Let’s face it, change can be hard, and not everyone embraces it with open arms.

By offering incentives, whether it’s recognition, bonuses, or perks, you motivate staff to embrace the new technology wholeheartedly. It’s about acknowledging their efforts and encouraging a positive attitude towards innovation. After all, a little recognition goes a long way in transforming skeptics into champions of progress.

For example, your funeral home could offer a gift card incentive to the top employee who creates the most cases in your new case management platform each month.

PROVIDE EASY ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

Providing easy access to technology support is crucial for funeral homes aiming for seamless integration. Let’s be clear — technology hiccups will still happen, and they can disrupt sensitive services if not promptly resolved.

Accessible support means having dedicated experts on standby, ready to troubleshoot issues swiftly and effectively. Ensure that your new technology provides plenty of support (phone, chat, dedicated representatives, help centers, tutorial videos) to aid your staff.

Video is a great way to provide resources that help the adoption for new technology for your employees. In a recent survey from Synthesia, they found that 97% of respondents claim that videos are effective at helping employees retain information during training.