The Hidden Enemy of Workplace Productivity — And What to Do About It

Despite billions invested in digital transformation, our latest research at Ivanti spotlights a serious concern that is hindering the achievement of a productive digital workplace.

I won’t hold you in suspense: it’s tech complexity. In short, workplace technology often overwhelms rather than empowers employees.

So, before you celebrate the adoption of all this fancy new tech (especially before you blow your budget on it), make sure you’re not causing problems rather than alleviating them.

The Weight of Digital Overwhelm

Let’s back this up with some numbers. A majority (57%) of office workers report feeling stressed by the number of tools they use at work. Even more concerning, 62% feel overwhelmed by the need to learn new technologies — a sentiment that runs even stronger among organizational leaders.

Keep in mind that these statistics aren't just data points — they represent real barriers to productivity and innovation. When 70% of office workers admit they feel embarrassed to ask for help with tech problems, that should be a huge red flag. And it translates to a serious impediment to effective digital transformation.

The AI Implementation Challenge

Given the warp-speed pace of digital transformation, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and start making hasty decisions. The introduction of generative AI has made things move even faster.

Speed and efficiency are essential. But they can’t come at the expense of strategy.

But isn’t AI supposed to make things easier for employees?

Yes, in theory. But many knowledge workers already struggle with their existing tech stack. Adding AI applications without careful consideration of the employee experience risks exacerbating the burden. And that is the exact opposite of the intended goal.

A Human-Centered Approach to Tech Deployment

Don’t worry; this post isn’t all about the problem. There’s a solution here, too. That solution starts with a shift in perspective. Before implementing any new technology, we must ask a fundamental question: How will this tool help each employee do their job better?

This is about more than functionality — it's about understanding the complete user journey. Two-thirds of office workers say they feel unsupported when facing tech problems. If you think that’s only a technology issue, you’re missing the mark. Really, it’s a gap in support and training.

Building a Foundation for Success

Here are a few strategies for creating a more sustainable approach to workplace technology:

• Evaluate new tools through the lens of employee experience

• Provide comprehensive, accessible training programs

• Create a supportive environment where asking for help is encouraged

• Implement proactive tech support rather than waiting for problems to escalate

• Regularly assess and optimize the digital employee experience

Creating Sustainable Change

Listen, workplace technology will continue to advance, as it should. We are very much pro-innovation and pro-technology advancement at Ivanti. Still, we understand that the focus has to shift from simply deploying new tools to creating an environment where employees feel supported and confident using them.

If you’re thinking, “don’t we already do that?” you might want to take a closer look. Currently, 54% of organizations expect employees to teach themselves how to use new tools. This self-service approach might save money in the short term, but it creates hidden costs through reduced productivity, increased frustration and slower adoption of new technologies.

Don’t simply hop on a technology adoption treadmill. Be strategic, and keep employees at the center. The future of work depends on having the right technology and empowering employees to use it effectively.

To learn more, check out Ivanti's Employee Experience: The Missing Ingredient in Digital Transformation report — available now.