The workplace as we know it is undergoing a technology-driven metamorphosis. Remote and hybrid work models are becoming mainstream, while artificial intelligence (AI), analytics, and automation radically enhance how work gets done. According to Gartner’s thought-provoking report, “Strategic Roadmap: What Is the Digital Workplace of 2027 and How Do I Get There?”, human and artificial intelligence convergence will define the future workplace. This article explores Gartner’s visionary concepts like “Everyday AI”, workstyle analytics, and adaptive governance, offering key questions organisations should consider in preparing for 2027 and beyond.
Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Daily Work
One intriguing idea is the emergence of “Everyday”AI”—AI capabilities embedded into commonly used workplace applications to boost productivity. Imagine your calendar app scheduling meetings and preparing agendas based on past interactions and current priorities. Or your analytics tool identifying hidden correlations in data sets through machine learning. By seamlessly integrating AI into the flow of work, “Everyday AI” removes friction and enables workers to be more effective.
However, as AI takes on greater workplace responsibilities, important questions arise that organisations must grapple with:
- How can we uphold responsible AI principles as these technologies become pervasive? Safeguards against bias and transparent explainability will be crucial.
- How do we maintain data privacy as AI systems analyse increasing amounts of potentially sensitive information? Robust governance processes must be established.
- Will workers who feel that AI monitors or micromanages them object? Organisations must take care to avoid over-automation and keep the workforce engaged.
The bottom line is that AI adoption must focus just as much on change management as on technical implementation. AI must make workers feel empowered, not threatened.
Harnessing Workstyle Analytics
Gartner also envisions a more significant role for “Workstyle Analytics” – using behavioural data to generate insights that improve team effectiveness and productivity. For example, analytics could identify collaboration gaps between departments, inform better office layouts based on workspace usage data, or suggest optimum team configurations for projects based on past performance. By utilising Workstyle Analytics, organisations can better understand how employees work and collaborate, allowing them to make data-driven decisions that enhance productivity and teamwork. This approach can help bridge communication gaps between departments, optimise office spaces to promote better collaboration, and ensure that the right individuals are assigned to projects based on their past performance. Ultimately, Workstyle Analytics empowers workers by providing them with the tools and insights they need to excel in their roles, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
However, thoughtfully assessing ethics and privacy will be critical as workstyle analytics expand.
- What guidelines are required so personal employee data is not misused? Consent, transparency, and restricted data access will be critical considerations.
- Could performance management based on analytics metrics edge into micromanagement territory? Managers must strike the right balance between analytics-driven insights and human-driven decisions.
- How can we avoid analytics reflecting and perpetuating existing biases? Audit algorithms for factors that skew analysis like gender, age and ethnicity.
Upskilling the future workforce
According to Gartner, succeeding in the workplace of 2027 requires strategic talent management today to develop workers with the right blend of technical, analytical, and business skills. Organisations should invest in upskilling their employees to ensure they have the skills needed to thrive in the future. This includes providing training and development opportunities for workers to enhance their technical and analytical capabilities and their understanding of business strategy. By doing so, companies can equip their workforce with the tools they need to navigate the evolving landscape of the digital age and stay competitive in the long run. Some recommendations include:
- Implementing continuous learning programs to help employees reskill and upskill as demands evolve.
- Shifting hiring practices to be skills-driven rather than credentials-focused. Look beyond degrees toward demonstrated abilities.
- Incentivizing cross-training between departments to create multidisciplinary teams adept at collaborating to solve problems.
- Being willing to look outside traditional talent pools, including hiring remote talent unbounded by geography.
The workplace will rely more on versatile, T-shaped talent—workers with deep expertise in specific fields and a broad ability to operate across disciplines. Organisations that get ahead of the curve in nurturing this agile, future-ready workforce will have a sustained advantage.
Adapting management models
Gartner argues that governance must become more adaptive to fully leverage AI and human potential in the digital workplace, replacing traditional command-and-control structures unfit for dynamic times. Organisations must shift towards more flexible management models that empower employees to make decisions and collaborate across teams. This means moving away from top-down hierarchies and embracing decentralised decision-making. By doing so, organisations can create an environment that fosters innovation and allows for quick adaptation to changing market conditions. Additionally, leaders must prioritise continuous learning and development to ensure their workforce remains agile and can effectively leverage AI technologies. They propose that management should:
- Allow different degrees of autonomy across teams and projects based on targeted speed, innovation and outcomes.
- Manage through inspiration and vision rather than process and bureaucracy.
- Flatten hierarchies and distribute decision-making to empower those closest to the work.
However, organisations must still thoughtfully balance empowerment with accountability.
- How can desired outcomes be clearly defined for self-guided teams while encouraging creativity?
- What safeguards are required to avoid risks associated with loosely governed teams?
- How should disputes be resolved if a team cannot reach a consensus?
If done well, adaptive governance unshackles innovation and productivity. But organisations must remain actively engaged and be judicious in delegating authority.
The stakeholder-focused digital workplace
For digital workplace initiatives to take hold, Gartner stresses that stakeholder engagement across the organisation is crucial, involving not just leadership but also employees who will be leveraging new technologies daily. This engagement ensures that all perspectives are heard and considered, leading to better decision-making and a higher likelihood of consensus. However, if a team cannot reach a consensus, it may be necessary to involve a third-party mediator or facilitator to help find a resolution. This can provide an unbiased perspective, help the team navigate disagreements, and find a solution that satisfies all stakeholders. Ultimately, the goal is to create a digital workplace that meets the needs of everyone involved and drives success for the organisation as a whole. Some best practices include:
- Seeking input from diverse internal stakeholders early in process changes, not just at rollout.
- Publicly addressing worker concerns relating to automation, surveillance, or job loss. Be transparent.
- Continuously collecting qualitative feedback after launches through surveys, focus groups and interviews.
- Analyzing usage metrics quantitatively to pinpoint adoption challenges and opportunities.
- Closing the feedback loop by communicating improvements made based on worker input.
Stakeholder participation provides indispensable “on-the-ground” insights that statistics miss when enhancing employee experience. Organisations can build trust and alleviate fears by actively addressing worker concerns and being transparent about automation, surveillance, and job loss. Continuously collecting qualitative feedback through surveys, focus groups, and interviews allows for a deeper understanding of employees’ experiences and concerns. Analysing usage metrics quantitatively further helps identify specific challenges and opportunities for improvement. Closing the feedback loop by communicating the progress made based on worker input demonstrates a commitment to incorporating their perspectives and enhancing the overall employee experience. Ultimately, stakeholder participation ensures that organisations do not solely rely on statistics but also gain invaluable insights from those directly impacted by the changes. Keeping programmes focused on those they ultimately serve ensures workplace technologies achieve their full impact.
Gartner lays out an actionable roadmap for digital workplace leaders that includes:
- Planning adaptive governance models that balance innovation with accountability.
- Partnering with HR to develop skills and hire for cross-disciplinary roles
- Embracing agile team autonomy while still providing support through change
- Committing to responsible AI principles and ethics
By planning adaptive governance models, digital workplace leaders can balance encouraging innovation with maintaining accountability. Partnering with HR to develop skills and hire for cross-disciplinary roles can help organisations build diverse and versatile teams that effectively tackle complex challenges. Embracing agile team autonomy while providing support through change allows employees to be more flexible and responsive to evolving business needs. Lastly, committing to responsible AI principles and ethics ensures that workplace technologies are developed and used ethically and responsibly.
The technologies and trends shaping the workplace will continue to accelerate. By asking forward-thinking questions today and actively engaging stakeholders at all levels, organisations can prepare themselves for the human and AI-powered future of work. This proactive approach will enable companies to adapt their strategies and implement the necessary changes to remain competitive in the ever-changing business landscape. Additionally, fostering a culture of continuous learning and upskilling will empower employees to embrace new technologies and effectively collaborate with AI systems. By doing so, organisations can unlock the full potential of AI and human collaboration, leading to increased productivity and innovation in the workplace.
https://www.gartner.com/doc/reprints?id=1-2E4J8EOY&ct=230614&st=sb