The Gen AI reset: why CIOs need to reinvent the digital workplace

As generative AI (genAI) becomes a strategic priority for organisations, Lenovo’s new research series – Work Reborn – reveals a critical disconnect.

The first report – Reinventing Workplace Productivity – shows that while CIOs see the potential impact of AI, many workplaces lack the infrastructure to support it. And it will take more than incremental change to fix that. CIOs must reinvent their digital infrastructure to unlock genAI’s full value – here’s why:

A strategic need for reinvention.

For most IT leaders, thinking proactively is key to competitive advantage. And considering the rapid rise of AI, that usually means thinking proactively about how to unlock the potential of genAI. According to our research, a key part of staying ahead of competitors with genAI involves an overhaul of digital systems. In fact, 89% of IT leaders surveyed believe only a complete overhaul of digital workplace systems will allow them to get significant results with AI. And that jumps to 93% for CIOs, IT directors and VPs of ITAs.

Staying ahead is a top concern for these IT leaders. Over half (51%) agree that better access to AI tools is crucial for innovation and 76% say that businesses not empowering employees with AI will lag behind in the next one to two years.

The barriers to genAI’s promise

This technology holds the potential to revolutionise productivity by transforming how organisations personalise the employee experience. And 90% of CIOs, IT directors and VPs of IT believe digital workplace transformation is essential for employees to use AI effectively.

But barriers remain. The most significant is inadequate workplace personalisation and poor integration of AI-driven IT support systems. While 86% of senior IT leaders agree that AI will allow employees to focus on more impactful work, a limited ability to configure devices and applications to users’ needs is preventing progress.

These challenges not only limit productivity, but they also pose strategic risks. Although 64% reported significant automation of IT processes with AI within their organisation, there’s still confusion about how to effectively use genAI.

Actionable CIO agenda

How can CIOs reinvent the digital workplace? Here are my top three tips:

1. Simplify and personalise: use persona-based genAI configurations to tailor the workplace experience—according to CIOs, this is particularly helpful in building a business case for digital workplace transformation.
2. Automate IT: employ AI to optimise support processes and reduce friction.
3. Transform workflows: only 39% IT leaders say their organisation has started transforming their digital workplace. It’s time to rethink existing processes to fully integrate genAI across the organisation.

CIOs are at a tipping point. To move from AI hype to real-world productivity gains, they must lead the charge in reimagining the digital workplace. This isn’t just about IT upgrades. It’s about redefining how work gets done.

To learn more, read Reinventing Workplace Productivity, the first report in the new Lenovo Work Reborn Research Series 2025. More reports will be published throughout this year. Find further insights at Lenovo Digital Workplace Solutions.