How to get Microsoft 365 Copilot beyond the pilot stage

Who wouldn't want a digital wingman helping you to do mundane tasks?

Sponsored post It isn't often that a technology comes along that promises to fundamentally change how you work. Microsoft 365 Copilot does just that.

Microsoft research says that 70 percent of Copilot users report increased productivity, while 68 percent see higher quality of work. A full 77 percent would not want to work without it - and why not? Who wouldn't want a digital wingman helping you to do those mundane tasks?

Yet all is not rosy in user land. While 60% of companies told Gartner they were piloting the technology, only 16% had finished the pilot and were moving to a roll-out. If users love this product so much, why the low adoption?

The four challenges to scaling Copilot adoption

Here at QA, we've identified four reasons for the gap between perception and uptake. We've also crafted training programs that can help companies to overcome these issues.

1. Finding ROI

The first barrier is a lack of clear ROI. Organizations find it difficult to define and measure Copilot's financial impact, which makes it trickier to justify scaling beyond pilot programs. We help companies overcome this problem by aligning their Copilot use to strategic goals, helping them to demonstrate clear, role-specific productivity and efficiency gains.

2. Data governance

Companies also face data governance and security risks when scaling up Microsoft 365 Copilot. They know the consequences of leaking private data, which can happen if staff are not trained in safe data sharing within the M365 environment. That's why over half of businesses restrict Copilot usage to low-risk environments or a trusted subset of users. A live, risk-free Microsoft 365 Copilot environment is an important asset to train teams on responsible AI use. This allows you to safely experiment and master the technology to implement and apply it within your organization.

3. Integration challenges

To maximize the potential of Microsoft 365 Copilot, organizations must embed it effectively into existing workflows. Integrating it is a complex task, often requiring changes to architecture and employee habits. We offer custom training pathways to support that integration process and embed Copilot properly in their daily operations.

4. A lack of buy-in

While most users love Microsoft 365 Copilot, sometimes, legal, finance, and security teams can be skeptical. They often resist Copilot deployment over concerns about compliance, risk, and costs. We can help companies to build targeted programs for technical leads, legal teams, and champions that help to turn blockers into enablers.

How QA helps with Copilot adoption

Whenever a ground-shifting technology comes along, proper user training is critical for accelerating adoption and fully realizing the productivity it offers. QA offers role-based training programs that can give IT, security, leadership, and end-users the skills they need to adopt Copilot effectively. We help them to build practical experience in live, secure Microsoft 365 environments, developing both technical proficiency and trust in the technology.

We also stay with you through your adoption process. This is a journey rather than a one-time event, and we provide a framework for continuous skills growth as Copilot evolves, securing long-term value and competitive advantage.

Take the next step

Ready to begin a structured, results-driven journey to M365 Copilot adoption? Watch QA's webinar, Breaking through the pilot phase: scaling Microsoft 365 Copilot for maximum impact, and learn how to overcome adoption hurdles and drive adoption at scale. Watch the on-demand recording here to accelerate your M365 Copilot journey.

Sponsored by QA