Digital transformation doesn't begin with technology, but with mindsets. Too many companies invest in tools without ensuring their employees are ready to adopt them. The result: underutilized solutions, persistent human barriers, and a digital strategy that struggles to take off. This article explains why digital acculturation is the forgotten key to success, and how to implement it concretely to get your teams on board.
What is digital acculturation?
According to Larousse, acculturation is "the adaptation of an individual or group to the surrounding culture." In the context of digital transformation, this means adapt employees to digital culture.
Three complementary dimensions:
- Inform about the possibilities offered by digital tools
- Train in their use
- Raise awareness of digital issues (cybersecurity, collaboration, AI)
Why acculturate before transforming?
According to an World Economic Forum report, digital skills and cultural adaptation are key levers of competitiveness for organizations in a rapidly changing world. Digital transformation cannot succeed without a simultaneous evolution of mentalities and uses.
According to, also, a Beeshake study, 98% of employees believe it's essential to be digitally acclimated. And 40% of employees see training as the best way to foster a digital culture.
The real risk
Accumulating tools without cultural support leads to poor usage, or even rejection. Technology alone is not enough to transform practices.
Key benefits
- Giving meaning to transformation
- Strengthen team buy-in
- Position employees at the heart of the project
How to implement digital acculturation?
Effective acculturation relies on a phygital system (digital + face-to-face).
Digital side
You can leverage your existing LMS or an acculturation platform, such as Beeshake, to:
- Disseminate educational content
- Organize quizzes, challenges and interactive activity series
- Align teams on a common language
- Promote the sharing of knowledge
Face-to-face side
Focus on collaborative highlights:
- Co-construction workshops
- Thematic lunches
- Brainstorming sessions
- Internal conferences with feedback
These formats stimulate collective intelligence and anchor learning.
[Read also: Digital transformation strategy: which method to adopt?]
❔ FAQ – Digital Acculturation
No, acculturation must precede or accompany the deployment of tools to ensure their adoption.
There is no single duration. It can last from a few weeks to several months depending on the company's digital maturity.
Yes, through indicators such as module completion rates, quiz scores, or qualitative feedback from employees.