How to Adopt Microsoft Copilot at Scale
Prepare your business for Microsoft Copilot
Embedding AI into everyday operations is a must for all organisations, but adopting at scale and unlocking the full benefits can be a daunting challenge. The early adopters of Microsoft Copilot are already reaping the rewards, reporting significant time savings, a reduction in time spent on mundane and repetitive tasks, and improvements to overall efficiency.
A recent Microsoft report revealed that 70% of Copilot users were more productive, 68% saw an improved quality of work and 77% of new users would not want to revert to working without it.
However, successful rollout of Microsoft Copilot requires a collaborative cross-functional approach, with buy-in from relevant teams, technical implementation and clear communication all vital.
Our top tips for successful Copilot rollout
1. Build basic AI confidence
It can be tempting to jump straight into a full-on AI transformation, but consider whether some initial AI or data literacy upskill may be needed first. This foundational knowledge can help individuals begin to understand the potential of AI and how it may be a benefit to their day-to-day role. This will help to prepare your teams for wider use of tools such as Microsoft Copilot.
2. Develop your Copilot champions
Having some early adopters in your team can play a key role in ensuring knowledge flows through your organisations as you begin your rollout. Not only can this help to ensure a smooth transition, but also builds a culture with human-led AI at the centre. Copilot champions are there to share their tips and insights, as well as keeping their fingers on the pulse of the latest Copilot features.
3. Focus on individual roles
A key question from your teams is likely to be: how will this affect me? This is why it's important to focus on Copilot from the perspective of individuals roles. At QA, we understand the importance of this, and will work with you to deliver relevant skills to individual roles, helping all teams to maximise the benefits of Microsoft Copilot.
4. Work with a Microsoft specialist
Adopting a tool like Microsoft Copilot can be a complex process, requiring input from teams across your organisation. It's likely to involve technical IT teams, involved in implementation, data and security teams, and of course, end-users, who will be utilising the tool every day. With experts who specialise in AI, Data, Cloud and IT Infrastructure, our team are well-placed to support with the end-to-end adoption of Microsoft Copilot.
5. Reduce AI anxiety
As with any major change, communication is key. Many individuals may be nervous about adapting their roles to include AI. You can help the transition by sharing success stories, whether that's personal productivity or business results, and showcasing the benefits of AI adoption, such as a reduction in administrative process or time-taken to complete certain daily tasks.
“Microsoft 365 Copilot gives businesses a ready-to-use generative AI solution that can be governed and used safely with enterprise data protection. This is important for allaying people’s fears around using AI as a thought partner, and makes it easier to safely drive AI adoption within every role in an organisation. When this technology is combined with AI literacy training, people will understand the opportunities, risks and how to report issues - this is a powerful combination when tackling the problem of adopting AI to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.”
Vicky Crockett
QA Portfolio Director - AI
Copilot benefits - How to reap the rewards
The advantages of adopting Microsoft Copilot within your business include higher productivity, time and cost savings, increased revenue and happier customers, as well as greater employee satisfaction, staff retention and attraction of talent.
The benefits of early adoption
For most organisations, AI adoption is a matter of when, not if. Organisations that delay embracing AI could risk falling behind competitors, while early adopters are likely to have an advantage in a business landscape that is increasingly tech-driven.
Building internal expertise now will also help when it comes to future developments. As AI technology evolves, businesses with the capability and infrastructure in place will be the best placed to capitalise.
Productivity and time saving
Copilot users have reported a 29% in typical day-to-day tasks. But Copilot doesn’t just save time, it can also cultivate a smarter and more agile workforce. A combined AI and human intelligence-driven approach leads to more informed decision-making, enhanced innovation, and ultimately, improved business performance.
Meaningful and impactful work
Copilot can also empower individuals to make better use of their time, taking away certain admin tasks and allowing them to focus on strategic, high-value tasks that require creative thinking and problem-solving. This could lead to an improve job satisfaction and morale, as well as greater output and cost savings for businesses.
The challenges of Copilot adoption - and how to face them
The benefits of adopting AI are numerous, but this also comes with several pitfalls. AI adoption is a complex process and for it be successful, it needs to be implemented in a safe, secure and scalable way. Here are some of the most common challenges and how to approach them:
Securing buy-in
One of the common barriers to AI adoption is securing buy-in from key departments such as legal, security and finance.These teams will often have valid concerns regarding data protection, risk detection, and return on investment (ROI).
The goal should be to convert departments such as legal and finance from blockers to enablers, by ensuring their concerns are satisfied.
Alignment to wider objectives
For AI adoption to succeed, it must be aligned with the organisation’s broader objectives. This requires leadership to commit to the long-term benefits of AI, ensuring that its integration supports the company’s vision and growth strategy.
Establishing clear, measurable goals for AI implementation is critical to track progress and demonstrate value.
Technical integration
Integrating Microsoft Copilot with existing systems and tools can present technical challenges, particularly when it comes to ensuring seamless data access and system compatibility. Upskilling your employees in safe test environments is crucial to mitigate risks when implement Copilot in your company’s infrastructure.
IT teams play a critical role in facilitating this integration by ensuring that Copilot is deployed securely and functions smoothly across various platforms.
Data governance and security
Worried that your Copilot adoption might be exposing your business to data privacy and security risks? The complexities of managing sensitive data and regulatory demands can cast a shadow over your digital ambitions.
Give your teams the training they need on key frameworks, such as the EU AI Act, and consider investing certifications, such as the AI Governance Professional programme.
AI aversion
Successful adoption is not just about tech; it’s about your people. Boosting business performance through safe and ethical use of AI is the end goal; building confidence within your teams is the way to get there. Help your teams to adapt to the change by promoting the benefits of AI and showcasing how it can add value to their individual roles.
“It’s vital that deployment of Microsoft 365 Copilot is considered and aligned with an organisation’s overall business strategy. This helps to prioritise projects that offer the greatest potential for return on investment and long term business impact. Cross-functional collaboration is key and adoption is not overnight. A strategic plan for continuous learning is needed to truly embed this new technology and all the potential it offers.“
Jane Atkinson-Weller
QA Portfolio Director - Data and Office Applications
How to prepare your teams for Copilot
Our flexible Copilot training programmes are designed to meet the demands all of the teams who will implement, use or promote Copilot within an organisation. These learning pathways ensure that all teams receive training relevant to their roles, helping them to use Copilot to its full potential.
IT and technical experts: We offer tailored programmes for infrastructure professionals, designed to provide in-depth knowledge of Microsoft 365 architecture, how to mitigate risk when implementing Copilot, and how to protect data by practicing in safe environments during hands-on labs.
Copilot champions: Our innovation learning journey empowers Copilot enthusiasts to become advocates and trainers, who play a key role in adopting and innovating within their teams. This programme inspires champions to sing the praises of Copilot and encourage others to embrace its use.
Pioneers: Focused on early adopters, the ‘light-house users’ who will troubleshoot and provide feedback during the deployment first stage. This includes hands-on training to experiment with Copilot’s newest features, paving the way for wider implementation.
End to end users: Designed to train at scale for entire teams or departments, this ensures a shared understanding of Copilot’s capabilities, and how to safely leverage it within their roles, fostering a unified approach to its use.
Start your Copilot adoption journey
As Microsoft’s leading training partner, we provide the skills necessary to implement change within your organisation, ensuring you make the most out of Copilot’s full capabilities. Learn more with our Microsoft Copilot whitepaper, or talk to our team today to discuss our training programmes.