Montreal technology entrepreneur Jonathan Haber is calling for a shift toward simpler, more human-centered technology in startup and business environments, highlighting how complex tools often undermine productivity and morale. Drawing from his experience building and advising early-stage companies, Haber points to industry research showing widespread challenges with digital tool adoption and employee overwhelm.
According to a 2024 Gartner report cited by Haber, over 65% of employees feel overwhelmed by the number of digital tools they are expected to use. McKinsey research further indicates that nearly 70% of digital initiatives fail due to poor adoption and lack of user alignment. "Most startups don't need more features," Haber explains. "They need fewer decisions and clearer systems."
Haber shares a practical example from his work with a remote startup team experiencing low morale and declining productivity. Rather than introducing additional platforms, he simplified workflows and redesigned communication tools based on direct employee feedback. "Clarity changed everything," he says. "Once people understood what mattered and how to work together, engagement came back almost immediately."
The entrepreneur advocates for leadership approaches rooted in listening rather than speed, noting that early conversations often reveal problems long before data dashboards do. "Technology should reduce stress," he adds. "If it creates more confusion, it's not doing its job." Studies show employees lose an average of one full workday per week navigating complex systems and unclear processes, making the need for intuitive tools particularly urgent as remote and hybrid work arrangements continue to rise.
Haber encourages founders, managers, and professionals to take practical steps such as regularly asking teams what feels unclear, simplifying existing tools before adding new ones, and prioritizing understanding over speed. These everyday actions, he notes, can lead to stronger teams and more sustainable outcomes in increasingly digital work environments.
