The Korbyt team just returned from the Gartner Digital Workplace Summit in Grapevine, Texas. Over two days and more than 140 sessions, we joined hundreds of digital workplace leaders to explore one big question:
How do we empower employees in a rapidly evolving workplace—where tech, expectations, and work models are changing fast?
Here’s what stood out most to us—and what we believe every organization should be thinking about next.
1. AI Is Everywhere—But the ROI Still Isn’t
There’s no question: Generative AI dominated the conversation. Gartner analysts shared bold predictions—like 30% of knowledge worker tasks being augmented by GenAI by 2027, and 20% of workplace applications delivering AI-driven personalization by 2028.
But many organizations are still asking: Where’s the real business impact?
Despite widespread adoption, clear productivity gains and measurable ROI remain elusive. The message: don’t just deploy AI—deploy it strategically. Focus on specific, value-driven use cases that enhance Employee Experience (EX) and drive real outcomes.
2. Tech That Truly Empowers Employees
One of the strongest takeaways: EX isn’t just about satisfaction surveys—it’s about removing friction so people can get work done.
Speakers emphasized the rise of Digital Employee Experience (DEX) strategies to streamline workflows, reduce complexity, and boost adoption. The more seamless and intuitive the tools, the more engaged and productive the workforce.
Real-world examples we’re seeing:
- Everyday AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot to automate writing, research, and task management
- Digital adoption platforms that coach employees through apps in real time
- Unified Workplace Experience (WEX) platforms that simplify access to internal comms, office productivity tools, KPI metrics, and more.
Organizations that invest in DEX and WEX aren’t just improving morale—they’re improving output. According to Gartner, digitally empowered employees are 84% more likely to be highly productive.
3. Governance Is No Longer Optional in the Age of AI
With AI tools now embedded in everyday workflows, governance has taken center stage.
Here’s why: Employees are increasingly using GenAI to do real work. But what are they putting into those prompts? Internal docs? Proprietary ideas? Sensitive data?
Gartner’s warning was clear: without guardrails, you’re at risk.
Forward-looking organizations are now investing in information governance frameworks that:
- Define ethical and acceptable AI usage
- Protect proprietary and customer data
- Ensure compliance with evolving regulations
As DEX becomes more AI-driven, smart governance is now a core pillar of a responsible digital workplace strategy.
4. Proving the Value of Digital Investments Is Getting Real
Whether you’re upgrading your intranet, launching a new WEX platform, or investing in AI-powered EX tools—leadership wants to know: Is it worth it?
But EX and DEX initiatives are notoriously hard to quantify.
Gartner recommends linking digital workplace investments directly to business outcomes like:
- Increased employee engagement and retention
- Improved operational efficiency
- Reduced customer support tickets or onboarding time
Tools like Microsoft Viva, Qualtrics EX, Workday Peakon, and our own Korbyt Anywhere are helping close the loop between experience and outcomes. If you want continued buy-in, build a clear measurement framework from day one.
5. Digital Workplace Dexterity Is the New Superpower
Gartner spotlighted a surprising stat: application satisfaction has dropped 22%. Employees are getting more tools but feeling less empowered to use them effectively.
That’s why Digital Workplace Dexterity—the ability and mindset to adapt to tech quickly—is a game-changer.
How to foster it:
- Encourage low-code/no-code solutions so employees can build what they need
- Invest in in-the-moment enablement and training that meets people where they work
- Balance digital skills with business acumen so employees can connect tools to impact
Ultimately, Digital Workplace Dexterity turns your tech investments into actual performance. It’s not just about access—it’s about capability and confidence.
Bonus: Smart Tech Is Coming—But ROI Comes First
We saw plenty of buzz around smart workplace tools—think IoT sensors, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and connected office environments.
The potential for better WEX is real—enhancing collaboration, engagement, and even safety. But Gartner urged caution: don’t chase shiny objects. Focus on technologies that solve a defined problem and always tie them to measurable ROI.
Final Thought
Gartner’s 2025 Digital Workplace Summit made one thing clear: the future of work isn’t just digital—it’s human-centered.
As we build out AI, platforms, and smart tech, the organizations that win will be those that prioritize EX, DEX, WEX, and Digital Workplace Dexterity—in every decision they make.
We left inspired and even more convinced that the best digital workplace is one that helps people thrive.
