EDITOR ’ S QUESTION

HOW CAN ORGANISATIONS INSTIL A HUMAN-CENTRIC APPROACH FOR SUCCESSFUL DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION STRATEGIES ?

Recent research has pointed to the need for continued human-centricity within Digital Transformation investment . The evolution of digital solutions has inevitably led organisations to restructure their strategies for technological development . We get insight from industry experts on how a people-first approach can aide businesses .

Exploring how organisations are tackling the evolution to the digital business era , Leveraging the Human Advantage for Business Transformation surveyed business leaders and decision-makers across the globe , and revealed that the overwhelming majority ( 88 %) said that only 50 % or less of their DX projects in the past year met the expected goals or outcomes .

When businesses miss the mark on DX projects , it ’ s not just their infrastructure or competitive position that suffers . While 62 % reported failure resulting in them being less technically mature than competitors and having a longer time to market , key challenges damaging the employee experience emerged as consequences too . Many are facing frustrated staff ( 56 %), as well as a rise in staff attrition ( 50 %) and a less stimulating work environment ( 44 %).

The causes of lacklustre results from DX efforts reinforce the notion that strategies too often neglect to prioritise a peoplefirst approach in the planning , design and implementation of digital initiatives . For example , 39 % of respondents indicated that a lack of employee buy-in was a key reason for failing to meet expected outcomes , implying a need for cultural considerations to encourage user engagement . This was followed by conflicting opinions from leadership ( 36 %) and a lack of collaboration internally ( 33 %), demonstrating a struggle to successfully navigate organisational dynamics or engage stakeholders throughout projects .

When reflecting on failed DX projects , over half recognised that investments would have been better channelled into peoplecentric projects such as upskilling staff ( 55 %) and improving IT and line of business communication ( 50 %).

Amid the rapid advancement of AI and the Generative AI boom over the last few years , the survey also uncovered strong levels of current implementation and adoption plans in the pipeline , with almost half ( 49 %) of the respondents having already deployed AI in their organisation or running a proof of concept . Many organisations recognised the impact of retaining a human influence on their use of AI , with 51 % declaring it as very or extremely important .

Similarly , automation strategies were aimed at empowering a stronger employee experience and freeing people to work more strategically . Over half ( 58 %) said their automation strategy is highly or very highly focused on removing mundane tasks , and 54 % agree that employee engagement and satisfaction are integral . The data on DX shortcomings , however , highlights a gap between many businesses ’ intentions for digital projects and the ability to bring these to fruition .

Despite this , for those who do get DX projects right , there are promising employee and customer outcomes beyond the business benefits . As well as achieving outcomes such as process optimisation ( 62 %), cost reduction ( 57 %) and revenue increases ( 53 %), respondents also reported improved customer experiences ( 45 %) and an uptick in employee productivity , satisfaction and retention ( 42 %) when initiatives were effectively managed .

“ The success of digital solutions is inherently reliant on understanding how people will respond to new technologies ,” said John Cotterell , CEO , Endava . “ This research reinforces the fact that nurturing amazing products and services demands a humancentric approach throughout every stage of digital evolution . In practice , this is all about people , understanding user needs and expectations , working through cultural barriers to adoption and collaborating with employees to build engagement from the outset .

“ It ’ s encouraging that more and more businesses are recognising the importance of human response to new technologies , as well as the potential impact of not prioritising people within technical development . As they shape their digital strategies for the year ahead and beyond , developing inclusive digital solutions and constantly being mindful of people will go a long way towards bridging the gap between innovative products and market success .”

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