Breaking Down Barriers: How to Overcome Team Resistance to New Construction Software

People are often resistant to change. We might say that change is good or that the current system doesn’t work, but whenever you try to implement a replacement, you suddenly face immense pushback. That’s not just true in politics, relationships, and almost every other avenue of life; it’s true for the construction industry.

Whenever companies introduce new ways of working, or a new software, there can often be strong team resistance. “The existing system works just fine,” they might say. “This will just complicate everything,” comes the counterargument. Yet, given that the UK construction industry was projected to spend around $1.5 billion on software in 2024, failing to invest in updating your systems can leave you uncompetitive and inefficient.

So, how do you break the barriers to new software in construction? What can you do to smooth the process? And how do you choose the right construction software for your business? Find out below.

In this guide:

• Understanding Resistance to Change in the Construction Industry
• Identifying Key Barriers to Software Adoption
• Strategies to Overcome Team Resistance and Foster Supportive Change
• The Role of the Right Software in Minimising Resistance

Understanding Resistance to Change in the Construction Industry

Resistance to change in construction isn’t about stubbornness – it’s often about uncertainty. People are unsure if the new system will work, be easy to use, or help them in their everyday roles. If you want to counter the narratives and get your team on side, you can’t just bulldoze through your team’s opinions as if it’s a derelict building. You’ve got to understand their resistance:

• Cultural Resistance. The “if it ain’t broke” mindset is a compelling one. Why bother changing a system that’s clearly served you well so far? This mindset is inherently conservative, opting to stick to tried-and-tested methods rather than opt for something new.
• Fear of Technology. A fear of technology is usually more common among older team members, especially if they lack knowledge about computers and software. Most of your team chose to work in construction, not software.
• Past Experience. Think back – I’m sure there’s a time when someone had a grand plan and big promises, only for it to be a calamity. Change isn’t always good. If previous software rollouts fell flat, teams might be wary about the latest instalment.
• Time Constraints. If your team is under pressure, the last thing they want is to learn an entirely new system. People often prioritise short-term task completion over long-term productivity gains.

Identifying Key Barriers to Software Adoption

Listening to these criticisms, you might think your team has a point. There’s a tendency among business leaders to get a grand idea and push it through no matter the cost. That’s a fast track to annoy your entire team.

Instead, it’s important to link the resistance to change with particular barriers. After all, your team often voices genuine barriers to software adoption. These include:

• Lack of Training. Fear of technology and time constraint concerns come from a lack of training. Teams need a specific allocated time to understand and adopt a system. It takes time and effort, not a quick 30-minute tutorial. 

• Poor Communication. Bad past experiences with software rollouts are usually linked to poor communication. Higher-ups fail to articulate what they want, how the rollout will work, and when the new software should be used. Cue confusion and calamity as the entire team grinds to a halt.

• Lacklustre Management and Support. When adopting a new system, your team needs ongoing support. Minor hiccups are inevitable. Management’s job is to identify issues and iron out any problems. Ongoing training and support help alleviate your team’s concerns, letting them know that you’ve got their back.

Strategies to Overcome Team Resistance and Foster Supportive Change

Overcoming team resistance is about taking them with you on the journey. If you emphasise the positives, make sound arguments, and integrate their feedback early in the process, you won’t find nearly as much resistance.

People dislike imposition from the top – but they’re all for management listening, adapting, and working to make their lives easier. That starts by clearly articulating the benefits, e.g., improved efficiency, reduced errors, and better collaboration. Start with a session introducing the software platform. Listen to any concerns and highlight the potential upsides. Think of it as a fact-finding mission – it’ll inform your adoption process going forward.

You might then have a demo or pilot program, giving your employees the chance to see the system in action, perfect for team members who may feel intimidated by the construction software. Pilot programs allow teams to explore the software in a low-risk setting.

Working with your team, set realistic timelines and expectations. Integrate a thorough training program into the timeline so your team never feels lost. You’ll also want to encourage feedback at every stage in the journey, adapting your process. These open conversations create a space where concerns can be addressed – it empowers your team, not silences.

Finally, you’ve got to lead by example. Managers have to embrace the new software, actively use it, and model the behaviour they want to see – it helps embed the change across the entire team.

The Role of the Right Software in Minimising Resistance

Of course, you can do everything right and still fail if you choose the wrong construction software. If there’s not enough supplier support, if it doesn’t address your issues, and if it’s confusing to use, your team members’ resistance might be valid.

The solution? Choosing a construction software package by 4PS. Our platform covers all of your needs, from a construction CRM and reporting to accounting and communication. The best part? The system is highly intuitive and designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing systems. In fact, we offer specialist support to ensure you’re up and running without any issues.

Other benefits include:

• Built for Construction: 4PS is purpose-built for the construction industry, offering tailored features like project management, scheduling, procurement, and budget tracking—all within a single, integrated system. This ensures your software works the way your business does.
• Mobile-First Accessibility: With 4PS, your teams can stay connected whether they’re in the office or on-site. The platform’s mobile functionality allows workers to access real-time project data, update progress, and communicate instantly, boosting productivity on the go.
• Training and Ongoing Support: 4PS provides dedicated onboarding, in-depth training, and continuous customer support from the UK to help your team get up to speed quickly. With regular updates and responsive service, your business is never left behind as your software evolves.

Overcoming your team’s resistance is possible. However, it requires you to work with your team to address each and every issue rather than push through. 4PS is the answer to your problems. We’ve helped hundreds of customers integrate 4PS into their everyday activities, leading to much greater satisfaction from their teams. Request a free demo to see our construction software in action.