Gartner research shows that 80% of companies have adopted hybrid working models, with many enterprises embracing a blend of in-office and remote working. Digital employee experience (DEX) has become a critical factor in optimizing the new digital workplace era as it significantly impacts positive business results.

To provide your employees with efficient digital workplaces and seamless digital experiences, organizations must stay on top of the latest trends.

Let's dive into some of these top trends.

1. The transformative power of AI

AI is revolutionizing digital workplaces across all industries. Adobe's recent research into digital workers' perceptions of AI highlights a positive outlook on this technology. Almost all (92%) say AI positively impacts their work. 89% believe it'll help them get more done, and 88% believe it'll improve work quality. The top three insights from this research are that AI empowers the digital workforce; generative AI is seen as a productivity multiplier; and leaders understand that using this technology is inevitable. Regarding IT specifically, Edge AI is revolutionizing IT management. This technology can transform the digital workplace by decreasing latency, optimizing network resources, and personalizing digital work environments.

2. DEI initiatives and DEX Equity

Infrastructure and operations (I&O) leaders responsible for the digital workplace are encouraged to play a proactive role in creating a more equitable and inclusive technology experience. Erin Pierre, Principal Analyst at Gartner, is focused on digital workplace strategy. She explains that digital workplace I&O leaders choose technology that can strengthen organization-wide DEI efforts. As such, they must partner with DEI leaders to leverage technology to create a more equitable digital employee experience (DEX). Examples of DEI technologies enabled by the digital workplace include the likes of accessibility tools and collaboration and communication tools.

3. People-first innovation is critical

While significant advancements in technology such as AI have accelerated digital workplace innovation, innovation must put people first. David Brodeur-Johnson, Principal Analyst at Forrester, explains that this pace of change highlights the need to make sure professionals feel supported and engaged. Managers should listen to their employees, and make sure the technologies they implement solve workplace challenges. "A successful EX-focused strategy for 2024 and beyond starts with a clear understanding of employees' jobs-to-be-done and works backwards into the technology stack to continuously improve their ability to be effective in their work every day," says Brodeur-Johnson.

4. AIOps and observability improve DEX

Lowering mean time to resolution (MTTR) and preventing digital workplace outages before they even happen is key to improving DEX. Removing digital friction and disruption provides end users with a smooth digital workplace experience, allowing them to remain productive. AIOps and observability tools are helping to improve DEX by preventing outages with predictive power. Observability tools support IT to be proactive rather than reacting to issues as they arise, a secret weapon in the age of hybrid IT.

You can learn more about building a resilient digital workplace strategy in this eBook from Forrester.