Gen AI in the digital workplace, from vision to execution

By Rakshit Ghura, VP and General Manager of Digital Workplace Solutions at Lenovo

Asia is gaining ground in the race to adopt generative AI (Gen AI), with the Asia-Pacific region second only to North America in implementation, according to a recent Boston Consulting Group report. But is the workplace ready for it? Lenovo’s latest report suggests not.

Lenovo’s new global study, Igniting Real Workplace Transformation, the second report in the 2025 Work Reborn Research Series, shows that whilst the need for digital workplace transformation is recognised, progress remains slow. 

Gen AI has the potential to reshape the workplace by boosting productivity, reducing costs, and empowering teams to work smarter. Of the 600 IT leaders surveyed globally — including 200 from the Asia-Pacific region — 79% agree that by automating their processes, AI will allow their employees to focus on more important and impactful work. 

But 88% also agree that AI will not deliver meaningful benefits without comprehensive digital workplace transformation. Outdated systems, rigid processes, and fragmented tools are preventing workers from truly utilising AI tools. To successfully unlock the benefits promised by Gen AI, digital workplaces need to be flexible, hyper-personalised, and employee-focused.

Despite this, over 60% of IT leaders admit they have not started to transform the digital workplace. So, what’s holding them back? Lenovo’s latest report highlights the barriers to workplace transformation and the steps needed to unlock the full potential of Gen AI in the workplace.

Overcoming barriers to digital transformation

The biggest barrier facing organisations in Asia-Pacific is a lack of vision for how digital workplace transformation connects to business success. More than half (55%) of IT leaders admit their organisation struggles in this area. Too often, businesses chase technology trends without defining success, leading to unclear goals, wasted investment, and stalled progress.

A successful transformation strategy starts with a clear, personalised vision that aligns with business priorities and reflects the needs of employees. Copying others won’t work; transformation must be designed to fit your business.

The second major challenge is knowing how to start. Nearly half (46%) of IT leaders in the region lack a clear understanding of how to approach digital workplace transformation. Many feel overwhelmed by the scale, complexity, and perceived risks. But whilst transformation is a significant undertaking, complexity should not become a barrier to progress. With the right strategy, partners, and mindset, it is possible to move forward, step by step.

Competing IT priorities can also be a challenge, with 41% of leaders saying other projects, from cybersecurity and infrastructure upgrades to sustainability and Gen AI, are taking precedence. But transformation is not a competing priority. It is the foundation that enables all other initiatives to succeed.

Other significant barriers include: lack of time to focus on transformation (41%), difficulty building a strong business case (41%), and insufficient IT budget (41%).

These challenges are not insurmountable. The key is approaching transformation as a long-term, cross-functional journey, rather than a one-off technology project.

True workplace transformation requires more than new tools. It demands alignment across people, processes, and platforms, with a clear strategy to guide the way. Based on our research and experience, here are four areas for IT leaders to focus on to get started:

Organisational buy-in

Digital transformation cannot be driven by IT alone. Success depends on collaboration across departments from the outset and bringing together stakeholders from HR to finance and beyond.

Technology integration

Moving away from legacy systems to more agile, cloud-based platforms is essential. Whilst this can introduce risks and short-term disruption, modern, integrated solutions help simplify operations and improve long-term resilience.

Change management

Employees often resist change due to uncertainty or concerns about job security. A clear change management strategy, underpinned by effective communication and employee engagement, is essential for building confidence and adoption.

Skills and training

New technologies require new skills — both for IT teams and the broader workforce. Continuous learning, upskilling, and targeted training must be central to any transformation plan to ensure employees can thrive in a digitally enabled workplace.

Transformation doesn’t happen overnight. But with a sharp vision, a practical roadmap, and the right support, organisations can overcome these barriers. 

The organisations that act now to transform their digital workplace will be the ones to capture Gen AI’s full potential – boosting productivity, driving innovation, and achieving sustainable growth.

Igniting Real Workplace Transformation is the second report in the Lenovo Work Reborn Research Series 2025. For more insights, or to download the report, visit: Lenovo Digital Workplace Solutions.