A new Lenovo report reveals a major gap between AI’s promise and today’s workplace realities. While 79% believe AI will enable employees to focus on more meaningful work, only 36% feel their current digital workplace solutions effectively support engagement and productivity. Even more striking, 89% agree that organisations will struggle to unlock AI’s full potential without a fundamental overhaul of digital workplace infrastructure.
“AI changes the rules of productivity, but to realize its potential, IT leaders must work alongside their executive teams to rethink how AI can augment their organization’s value-creation levers and competitive differentiation. AI must be seamlessly integrated into core operations, creating a personalized and efficient digital workplace that enhances the employee experience and drives long-term productivity,” said Rakshit Ghura, VP and general manager of digital workplace Solutions, Lenovo.
The power of genAI
The report highlights that AI-powered collaboration tools, including virtual co-authoring and real-time translations, break communication barriers and foster seamless teamwork across global teams. By automating repetitive tasks, AI allows employees to focus on creative problem-solving and higher-value strategic initiatives. In addition, AI-driven insights streamline workflows and accelerate operations, leading to measurable productivity gains.
Nearly half (49%) of IT leaders surveyed say enhancing employee experience (EX) is their top priority for the year ahead.
What are the challenges?
Despite AI’s potential, there are several challenges to full-scale adoption. Personalisation remains a major issue—63% of IT leaders agree that a highly customized digital workplace is essential, yet most organizations lack configurable tools tailored to diverse working styles. The result is a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach that leaves employees underserved.
Moreover, there are still many automation gaps. While 61% of IT leaders recognize the need for AI-driven IT support, many struggle with effectively integrating AI-powered automation. Without seamless AI support, employees face disruptions that hinder efficiency and engagement.
Hyper-personalised, AI-driven workplace
To fully utilise AI’s capabilities, Lenovo advocates for a digital workplace transformation that prioritises personalization, automation, and innovation. AI should be embedded into core business operations—not just layered on outdated workflows.
Harnessing AI in the workplace starts with simplifying and personalising the employee experience by tailoring tools and workflows to individual roles, boosting engagement and innovation. Additionally, automating IT processes and transforming workflows enable businesses to streamline operations, free up resources, and drive long-term growth.