I was recently at the Gartner Digital Workplace Summit in London to present Reinventing Workplace Productivity. I had a great afternoon discussing how Gen AI is redefining productivity in the workplace.
We received some fantastic feedback and questions about what we’re doing at Lenovo to leverage Gen AI and create hyper-personalized digital workplaces. As the findings of our latest study suggest, I think there’s no better time to be having conversations about where the future of work is headed.
So, are you ready to turn the promise of digital transformation into real results? Gen AI and hyper-personalization are no longer futuristic ideas—they’re the new foundation for creating energized, innovative workplaces. But realizing this potential takes more than tools—it takes a clear strategy and committed execution.
According to our latest Work Reborn study, 97% of IT leaders see the need for digital workplace transformation—but more than 60% haven’t started. Here’s a breakdown:
- 36% are still in the planning stage.
- 13% intend to start.
- 9% feel unable to move forward.
- 3% say they have no need.
IT Leaders (80%) recognize Gen AI’s power to maximize productivity, optimize costs and streamline IT support. But they are having challenges with transforming the workplace so that they can use Gen AI effectively.
In fact according to McKinsey, the failure rate for digital transformation initiatives ranges from 70% to 90%1. That can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as unclear objectives or strategies, a lack of leadership backing, budget or training, a complex infrastructure and architectural design, and incomplete implementation—which are all highlighted in our recent survey.
Lenovo’s second report Work Reborn, igniting real workplace transformation, helps you refine and implement your personalized vision for digital workplace transformation and Gen AI.
Big barriers block the way.
Real challenges are preventing digital workplace transformation.
Our global survey of 600 IT leaders confirms organizations are committed to digital workplace transformation to unlock productivity and Gen AI’s full potential. And that nearly as many organizations are still planning (36%) as are currently transforming (39%).
But big barriers block the way, like limited time and budget resources and a lack of support from the business and leadership. Here are the top three challenges…
1. Creating a clear vision.
55% of IT leaders say a clear vision for digital workplace transformation is a top challenge.
A lack of vision on how digital transformation links to their strategic goals is one of the biggest barriers organizations face.
Too often, organizations chase transformation trends without defining what success looks like for them. The result? Unclear goals and stalled initiatives. A strong digital strategy starts with a vision rooted in business and employee needs.
Instead of copying what others are doing, companies must take a closer look at their unique goals, culture and workforce dynamics. Transformation should reflect a clear set of objectives—both short-term wins and long-term value—and be fully aligned with the organization’s broader mission.
2. Making transformation a top priority.
44% of IT leaders rank competing IT priorities among their top three challenges to digital workplace transformation.
Competing IT initiatives is the second biggest challenge. However, transformation can enable other priorities and effectively unlock Gen AI.
From cybersecurity and sustainability to infrastructure upgrades and Gen AI itself, digital transformation is competing with everything. But Gen AI is often seen as just another line item—when in fact, it’s a driver for transformation, not a distraction from it.
According to our CIO Playbook 20252, 42% of AI investments in the coming year will be directed toward Gen AI. But to realize that value, transformation can’t be sidelined—it must be foundational. Digital workplace transformation isn’t a separate initiative. It’s what enables personalized device configurations, smarter applications and automated IT support that truly unlock Gen AI’s potential.
Organizations that prioritize transformation are the ones best positioned to lead in AI adoption and workplace innovation. By having a clear vision and plan that connects transformation to AI, security and sustainability goals, IT leaders can turn competing priorities into a unified strategy for progress.
3. Turning transformation into reality.
44% of IT leaders don’t know how to transform their digital workplace and this is one of their top challenges.
Many IT leaders are overwhelmed given the scale, commitment and potential risks involved in digital transformation. And to turn transformation into reality these obstacles need to be addressed.
Although transformation is a major undertaking, complexity doesn’t have to stall progress. The key is to break it down into manageable steps and to approach it as a cross-functional journey—not just a tech upgrade.
Digital transformation requires more than the right tools. It demands coordination across leadership, IT, HR and operations. From plugging skill gaps to managing new infrastructure and aligning stakeholder priorities, success depends on a complete strategy. Training, communication and support are just as important as technology.
For example, you can give an employee the best tool to improve their workplace experience, but if they aren’t educated on how to use it, there will be slow adoption, and you won’t see the business benefits.
Organizations that prioritize digital workplace transformation and the right training will lead the AI revolution—and those that delay risk being left behind. Lenovo ignites workplace transformation, and you can too with Work Reborn.
Work reborn.
As work continues to evolve, organizations are looking for practical ways to support their people and improve how work gets done. Work Reborn—Lenovo Digital Workplace Solutions’ thought leadership series—explores how to make that transformation real and achievable.
With Lenovo’s combination of devices, infrastructure and services, businesses can take concrete steps toward building a more effective digital workplace. Here’s what that transformation can deliver:
- Better tools for employees: Focus more on meaningful work and less on technical roadblocks with access to modern devices and AI-enabled support.
- More consistent productivity: Reduce downtime and interruptions with personalized IT support and smart automation.
- Flexibility in how and where work happens: Support hybrid and remote work without sacrificing performance or security with Lenovo solutions.
- Simplified IT operations: Reduce the day-to-day burden on IT teams with automated setup and centralized management tools.
- Stronger compliance and security: Stay secure and aligned with industry requirements by using Lenovo’s integrated lifecycle services.
Through Work Reborn, Lenovo is helping organizations navigate digital workplace transformation with a focus on real-world challenges and results. And now you have the insights to make it happen.
Ready to transform? Get there with Lenovo.
Workplace transformation doesn’t have to be complex—but it does have to be intentional. Discover how your organization can move from planning to progress with practical guidance from Lenovo.
Read the report: Igniting real workplace transformation.
The report offers data-backed insights, expert perspectives and clear steps to help you make transformation work for your team.
1 See McKinsey, especially points 1 and 2
2 See Lenovo’s CIO Playbook 2005: It’s time for AI-nomics