One-fifth of workplace applications will incorporate AI-driven personalisation algorithms, new research suggests. According to a new report from Gartner, the widespread proliferation of these adaptive capabilities will allow staff to boost their efficiency and allow CIOs to refine digital workflows by tailoring them to individual work patterns.
A survey conducted by Gartner between April and July 2024, covering 5,141 employees, highlighted a strong correlation between workplace application satisfaction and productivity. The report states that employees who are satisfied with their digital tools are nearly three times more likely to report higher efficiency. However, only 23% of respondents in 2024 expressed complete satisfaction with workplace applications, marking a decline from 30% in 2022.
“The apps used for work should feel as intuitive and empowering as the most popular consumer apps,” said Gartner VP analyst Tori Paulman. “That’s exactly what employees are craving—a seamless, personalised, and omnichannel digital experience that mirrors the ease and consistency of mainstream consumer applications. Yet, over the past ten years, the gap between consumer and enterprise app experiences has widened. Many work applications remain isolated, inconsistent, and rigid, leaving much to be desired in terms of user experience.”
To address these challenges, Gartner recommends that organisations prioritise AI-driven personalisation in digital workplace tools. Its research highlights that such systems can assess workflows, automate tasks, and offer personalised recommendations based on employee work habits. Transparency remains a critical factor, with the report advising companies to clearly communicate how AI algorithms function and implement strong data security measures.
Aligning AI-powered applications with key business objectives is another priority outlined in the report. Gartner suggests that organisations evaluate which roles would benefit most from AI-driven personalisation and optimise digital tools accordingly. Businesses selecting workplace applications should prioritise solutions featuring adaptive user interfaces, personalised task management, and automation capabilities designed to streamline workflows.
Continuous assessment of AI-driven workplace applications is also emphasised. The report recommends regular feedback collection and system adjustments to ensure these technologies remain aligned with both employee needs and business goals.
AI adoption challenges and opportunities
Meanwhile, a McKinsey & Company report, published in January, underscores the growing reliance on AI in workplace environments but highlights gaps in implementation. The research reveals that while 92% of companies intend to increase AI investments in the next three years, only 1% of leaders consider their organisations to have fully integrated AI into daily workflows. The report attributes this lag to leadership hesitancy rather than employee readiness, noting that workers are already using AI at a higher rate than executives anticipate.
The study further suggests that AI has the potential to transform work environments similarly to past technological breakthroughs, such as the steam engine or the internet. McKinsey estimates that AI could generate up to $4.4 trillion in productivity gains across industries.
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