What Is the RARE Framework and Why It Matters to Employees
Oct 13, 2025 Alex Davis Strategy & Modernization 2 min read



Technology is not just infrastructure—it is the foundation of how employees work, collaborate, and perform. Yet many businesses struggle to connect IT decisions with the daily experience of their workforce. The RARE Framework from Sourcepass addresses this challenge.
RARE stands for Reliability, Accessibility, Revolutionary, and Easy. These four elements define how effectively technology enables employees, reduces frustration, and supports productivity. In this guide, we break down each pillar and explore why RARE is essential to building a high-performing workplace.
Every Employee Relies on Technology
Regardless of job title or environment, every employee depends on technology. Whether processing transactions, accessing data, or communicating with teams, disruptions in technology lead directly to lost productivity.
During a recent Sourcepass webinar, a question arose: “What about a chef—are they really dependent on technology?” The answer is yes. A chef relies on point-of-sale systems for orders, inventory software for supply tracking, and logistics platforms for delivery schedules. When technology fails, operations stall, and customer experiences suffer.
This example reinforces a core truth: evaluating IT through the lens of the employee experience is essential—this is exactly what the RARE Framework is designed to do.
The Four Pillars of the RARE Framework
1. Reliability
Technology must work consistently and without disruption.
Employees need tools they can trust. Unreliable systems lead to workarounds, lost confidence, and disengagement.
Questions to Ask:
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Are systems stable during peak usage?
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Do devices and applications perform as expected every time?
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Is responsive support available when issues arise?
2. Accessibility
Employees must have secure, seamless access to the tools they need.
Accessibility is about more than login credentials. It ensures people have timely, appropriate access without unnecessary friction—across office, remote, and hybrid environments.
Questions to Ask:
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Can employees access tools securely from anywhere?
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Is sensitive information properly controlled?
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Do access policies support efficiency rather than delay it?
3. Revolutionary
Technology should enable innovation, not hold it back.
Employees often use advanced AI, automation, and intuitive tools in their personal lives. They expect similar performance at work. Revolutionary does not mean chasing trends—it means delivering meaningful advancements that enhance their job.
Questions to Ask:
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Are you adopting modern tools that improve workflows?
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Do employees view internal systems as modern or outdated?
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Are innovation opportunities reviewed regularly?
4. Easy
Technology must be intuitive, predictable, and well-communicated.
Even powerful tools fail if they are difficult to use. Employees need clarity on changes, access to training, and technology that feels natural—not forced.
Questions to Ask:
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Do employees feel confident using core systems?
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Are changes communicated with context and support?
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Is training available during technology rollouts?
The Business Impact of RARE
When technology is Reliable, Accessible, Revolutionary, and Easy, employees are more engaged, productive, and loyal. They spend less time troubleshooting and more time delivering value.
Failing to meet technology expectations has consequences that extend beyond IT. It can impact customer satisfaction, operational performance, and revenue growth. RARE shifts IT from reactive support to proactive enablement.
Ready to Evaluate Your IT Experience?
Sourcepass offers an IT & Security Scorecard to help identify strengths and gaps across all RARE pillars. It’s the first step toward aligning your technology strategy with employee needs and broader business objectives.
To explore how RARE integrates into technology planning, watch our full webinar on strategic IT planning and real-world examples from Sourcepass experts.
Frequently Asked Questions About the RARE Framework
What does RARE stand for in the Sourcepass model?
RARE stands for Reliability, Accessibility, Revolutionary, and Easy—a framework for evaluating how well technology supports employee experience.
How does the RARE Framework benefit employees?
By ensuring tools are dependable, modern, and easy to use, RARE reduces frustration and improves productivity, engagement, and satisfaction.
Is RARE only relevant to IT teams?
No. RARE supports HR, operations, finance, and leadership by aligning technology with real employee needs and business goals.
How does RARE impact business performance?
A strong RARE environment boosts efficiency, reduces downtime, and improves morale—which directly influences customer service and revenue.
How can I assess my organization’s RARE maturity?
Starting with a scorecard or technology assessment from Sourcepass provides a baseline view across all four RARE pillars.
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