Truly transform your workplace and unleash the potential of AI
Study reveals 97% of IT leaders see the need for digital workplace transformation—but more than 60% haven’t started.
By Varinderjit Singh, General Manager, Lenovo Malaysia
Across industries, conversations around reinventing workplace productivity have taken center stage as organizations look to harness the power of Gen AI to redefine how people work, collaborate, and innovate. At Lenovo, we’re seeing firsthand how businesses are embracing digital workplace transformation to unlock new levels of efficiency and employee empowerment.
We received some fantastic feedback and questions about what we’re doing at Lenovo to leverage Gen AI and create hyper-personalized digital workplaces.
For example, our Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition operating on Windows 11 Pro. Seize the moment with the security to thrive anywhere and the performance to meet your boldest goals. Windows 11 Pro devices are easy to use and manage, with AI-enhanced efficiency and compatibility with existing technology including mission-critical apps and hardware.
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.
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. However, they are facing challenges in transforming the workplace to effectively utilize Gen AI.
In fact according to McKinsey, the failure rate for digital transformation initiatives ranges from 70% to 90%. 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.
Big barriers block the way.
Real challenges are preventing digital workplace transformation.
Our global survey of 600 IT leaders confirms that organizations are committed to digital workplace transformation to unlock productivity and the full potential of Gen AI. 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…
- 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 begins with a vision grounded in both 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.
- 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 are the second biggest challenge. However, transformation can enable other priorities and effectively unlock the potential of Gen AI.
From cybersecurity and sustainability to infrastructure upgrades and Gen AI itself, digital transformation is competing with everything. However, Gen AI is often viewed as just another line item—when, in fact, it’s a driver of transformation, not a distraction from it.
According to our CIO Playbook 2025, 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 the potential of Gen AI.
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.
- Turning transformation into reality.
44% of IT leaders are unsure how to transform their digital workplace, which is one of their top challenges.
Many IT leaders are overwhelmed given the scale, commitment, and potential risks involved in digital transformation. To turn transformation into reality, these obstacles must 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 invest in the right training will lead the AI revolution—and those that delay will risk being left behind.
Varinderjit Singh
Country General Manager, Lenovo Malaysia
Varinderjit joined Lenovo in 2019 as the Country General Manager of Lenovo Malaysia. He leads the consumer and commercial segments including the full spectrum of end-to-end solutions from consumer tablets and PCs, to commercial products for larger-scale business implementations. One of Varinderjit’s key focus is driving the adoption of Lenovo’s managed services and “Device-as-a-Service” solutions. Additionally, Varinderjit also manages the business objectives and relationships with channel partners of Retail and Commercial Enterprise as well as Small & Medium Enterprises to ensure Lenovo continues to perform strongly.
In his role, Varinderjit is leading the charge in Malaysia to bring “Smarter Technology For All” through Lenovo’s innovative products and solutions while keeping customers at the heart of everything. Before joining Lenovo, Varin was the Managing Director for Hewlett Packard Enterprise, based in Malaysia. He has also previously overseen markets such as Asia, the United States, and Europe. He started his career as Systems Engineer at Mesiniaga Malaysia and has since worked at other global technology companies include 3Com, NEC Computers, Dell, Samsung, and Microsoft. Varin has over 28 years experience in the technology industry.