More and more organizations are moving from traditional shared drives to SharePoint Online—and for good reason. With anytime-anywhere file access, real-time collaboration, and built-in security, SharePoint is a powerful upgrade for modern workplaces.
But here’s the truth: migrating files is the easy part.
Getting users to confidently work in SharePoint without disrupting their day-to-day workflow? That’s where most projects run into trouble.
At Rewire IT, we don’t perform migrations—we specialize in what makes a migration actually stick:
- Clear technical adoption strategies
- Role-specific training and communication
- Long-term support for user confidence and change readiness
Below are three major end-user impacts we frequently see during these migrations—and why preparing for them matters just as much as moving the files.
1. Navigating Files Feels Foreign at First
The impact:
In shared drives, users follow familiar folder paths—deeply nested, often decades old. SharePoint, by contrast, uses web-based navigation, modern document libraries, and encourages flatter folder structures. Many users feel lost at first, unsure where to click or how to find what they need.
How Rewire IT helps:
We build adoption strategies that introduce new navigation habits gradually, using visuals, champion support, and user-friendly landing pages. Our tailored training helps users shift confidently from:
“I used to go to S:\2023\HR\Policies”
to:
“I click into our HR SharePoint site, then open the Policies library or search by keyword.”
2. Permissions Feel Different (and Sometimes Frustrating)
The impact:
SharePoint permissions are more dynamic and flexible than shared drives—but that also makes them more complex. Users may suddenly lose access to folders they once had or unknowingly share sensitive files externally via links.
How Rewire IT helps:
We help organizations design communication and training around the new permission models so users understand:
- When to use sharing links
- What “request access” means
- How permissions work in Teams-connected libraries
We also work with IT and business leaders to define clear permission use cases for each department so there are fewer surprises.
3. Co-Authoring and Auto-Save Feel Risky Until They’re Understood
The impact:
In the shared drive world, users were used to “locking” a document by opening it. Now in SharePoint, multiple people can work in the same file at the same time. While this is powerful, it can feel like a loss of control—especially for teams worried about overwriting each other’s work.
How Rewire IT helps:
We deliver hands-on, role-relevant training that builds trust in the new tools. For example:
- “Mastering Co-Authoring in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint”
- “Version History: Your Safety Net in SharePoint”
- “From Download to Collaboration: New Habits for the Cloud”
These sessions not only show what’s possible—they change how users feel about it.
Every Environment is Different. That’s Why Our Strategies Are, Too.
While these are three of the most common end-user impacts we’ve seen, your organization might face different challenges depending on your structure, workflows, and culture.
That’s where Rewire IT comes in.
We’ve worked with organizations across industries—from insurance to construction to private equity—and we know how to design adoption strategies that align with your business reality. Whether it’s coaching department leads, launching champions programs, or creating engaging, scenario-based training—we help you make the migration stick.
Don’t just move your files—empower your people.
Let’s talk about how Rewire IT can support your SharePoint adoption journey.