Why HR Holds the Key to the AI Ambition–Execution Gap

A notable gap is emerging between businesses planning for AI and those that execute it. New research from Lenovo shows that while 97% of organisations see the need for digital workplace transformation, just 39% have started.

This leaves many companies at risk of falling behind competitors who are already using AI to boost productivity and enhance employee experiences.

Most leaders want to create engaging employee experiences, but less than half believe their current setup delivers. The arrival of Gen AI has amplified this issue.

While over 80% of IT leaders see Gen AI's potential, 89% know effective deployment requires a full workplace overhaul, not just new software. Despite this, few are actively transforming.

“Gen AI can reinvent your workplace and get the best out of your people. But leaders know they must transform first,” says Rakshit Ghura, Vice President and General Manager DWS at Lenovo.

Aligning AI with employee experience

This transformation extends beyond simple tech upgrades. It involves rethinking devices, software and support to meet strategic goals like AI integration. This is crucial as AI systems need personalisation for different roles, which is difficult without a solid digital foundation.

Rakshit calls this a “critical initiative”, stressing the need for clear short, medium and long-term goals. Without a plan that aligns technology with workforce needs, organisations risk implementing solutions that fail to boost productivity or improve the employee experience.

Overcoming strategic transformation roadblocks

Lenovo's research identifies three main obstacles trapping organisations in planning. The biggest barrier, cited by 55% of IT leaders, is the lack of a strategic vision, making it hard to link transformation to wider business goals.

The second is confusion about execution, with 44% of leaders admitting they do not know how to manage complex process.

The third hurdle is a lack of senior leadership support, often because the business case fails to connect tech investment with tangible outcomes.

Benjamin Schneider, Sales Director - Digital Workplace Solutions EMEA at Lenovo notes the challenge is “getting the buy-in and a sense of urgency across the organisation”, calling it a “cross-functional effort”.

The HR blueprint for AI readiness

Solving the vision problem begins with setting clear objectives aligned with business strategy and employee needs. Companies should use analytics to understand how people work and where infrastructure can be modernised.

To transform a boardroom priority, it must be positioned as an enabler of critical business goals, with quantified benefits like productivity improvements.

Successful execution requires a holistic plan for technology, people and processes. As-a-Service models can help by converting large capital costs into predictable operational expenses.

Change management is critical to address employee concerns. Patricia Wilkey at Lenovo warns that without it, “you’re probably not seeing the impact on the end user".

Training is also vital to bridge skills gaps. As Rakshit notes, a great tool is useless if employees “aren’t educated on how to use it.” Eliminating workplace inefficiencies can cut costs by 15-20% while boosting productivity.

he concludes: “Organisations that define a clear, personalised vision for transformation – and act decisively – will be the ones who unlock Gen AI’s full value.”