SaaS Fatigue syndrome: trends and strategies for 2024

This is a piece written by our CIO Pierre Leroux for Le Journal du Net and translated into English. The topic he discusses is SaaS fatigue. The following has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Diving into BetterCloud’s “The 2023 State of SaaSOps” report, we see that the adoption of SaaS solutions in the enterprise world continues to grow. In 2023, organizations used an average of 130 SaaS applications, representing a significant increase of 18% from the previous year. 

This growth is not a new phenomenon; it finds its roots in 2014, a pivotal time when the mass adoption of SaaS solutions began to redefine how businesses operate. Promising efficiency and flexibility, these tools have however introduced unprecedented complexity and information overload, leading to what we today call “SaaS fatigue”.

The year 2023 marked a further stage in technological evolution with the rapid democratization of artificial intelligence and machine learning. In just a few months, these technologies have become essential components of almost all business software. Faced with this reality, organizations, and their employees are navigating an environment where, despite the undeniable advantages, unprecedented adaptability is required.

This convergence of factors raises a major challenge for the IT Services Department (ISD): how to effectively manage the “SaaS fatigue” syndrome, which is emerging as a significant obstacle in the modern technological landscape?

Tips for Succeeding in 2024

For CIOs seeking to effectively manage “SaaS fatigue” in 2024, here are some proven tips:

• Reduce the number of SaaS software. This approach is not limited to reducing costs; Above all, it helps clarify processes and reduce the cognitive load for employees. By opting for integrated solutions, which bring together several functionalities in a single interface, you can not only simplify daily operations, but also improve the user experience. This results in better productivity and a noticeable reduction in the stress of using multiple platforms.
  
• Focus training efforts on essential skills, rather than on mastering each new feature. By focusing on the most critical aspects of software, employees feel more competent and less overwhelmed. This contributes to better appropriation of tools and more efficient use of training resources. Moreover, the use of adoption solutions such as Lemon Learning is fully part of this trend. 
  
• Encourage technology-free times. By introducing technology breaks such as walking, creative workshops, screen-free lunches or creating relaxation spaces, employees have the opportunity to disconnect, refocus and recharge. These breaks help prevent burnout and promote better concentration when returning to work. This is a practice that can benefit everyone, especially in a technology-saturated environment.
  
• Involving end users, including IT teams, in the choice of SaaS tools is essential to ensure their effectiveness and reduce complexity. This approach ensures that the solutions adopted truly meet user needs and integrate seamlessly into their workflows. By focusing on employee feedback, it becomes possible to choose tools that not only improve productivity, but are also intuitive and enjoyable to use.

‘SaaS fatigue’ remains a challenge in its own right. Through my experience as CEO of a startup specializing in digital adoption, I encourage a strategic and human-centered approach to technology to not survive, but thrive in this constantly evolving technological landscape.