August digital workplace roundup
August was a month of notable developments in the digital workplace sector, marked by significant industry partnerships and regulatory changes. Among the most talked-about events was the announcement of a partnership between Workday and Salesforce—a move that has the potential to reshape how HR and digital workplace tools integrate and function together. This partnership, along with other key developments like the enforcement of the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, marks a turning point in digital workplace strategies, influencing how organisations will adapt.
Workday and Salesforce partnership – a strategic shift
The partnership between Workday and Salesforce has been one of the standout announcements of August. This collaboration is expected to bridge gaps between HR management systems and broader digital workplace tools, potentially streamlining services and improving employee experience. However, the implications of this partnership are complex. While Workday excels in HR capabilities, it may not rival platforms like SharePoint in delivering traditional intranet functionalities. This could lead to a scenario where certain aspects of the digital workplace are simplified, while others become more complicated, particularly in terms of integration and user experience.
Moreover, there are concerns about whether the partnership will meet its ambitious goals. Industry observers have suggested adopting a cautious approach, waiting to see how effectively the collaboration unfolds in practice. As organisations consider how best to integrate these tools into their digital workplace strategies, the long-term impact of this partnership will be closely monitored.
AI assistants in the digital workplace
In parallel with strategic partnerships, the integration of AI assistants into digital workplace platforms continues to gain momentum. MangoApps introduced “MangoGPT,” an AI assistant designed to help with tasks such as writing, proofreading, and document summarisation. While promising, MangoGPT has highlighted the challenges of balancing AI-driven efficiency with the need for human oversight. For example, the document summarisation feature, while helpful, sometimes struggles with either being too verbose or overly simplistic.
The introduction of AI assistants like MangoGPT represents a significant advancement in improving productivity and user experience. However, as these tools continue to develop, organisations will need to carefully evaluate their effectiveness and ensure that they complement rather than complicate existing workflows.
Intranet best practices and governance
As digital workplace tools evolve, so do the challenges of managing them effectively. A common mistake is the straightforward migration of old content onto new intranet platforms without reassessing content strategy. This approach can undermine the potential of new platforms, leading to a suboptimal user experience.
Additionally, the lack of proper governance can gradually erode the effectiveness of intranet platforms. Governance is essential not just for maintaining order but for ensuring that the platform remains relevant and valuable over time. Developing a robust content strategy is key to avoiding these pitfalls and maximising the benefits of new intranet technologies. For insights on building a strong content strategy and avoiding common pitfalls, see my latest contribution to Reworked.
The EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act – a regulatory milestone
The EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act officially came into play on 1st August 2024, marking a significant step in global AI regulation. The Act introduces rigorous standards, including a ban on “unacceptable risk” AI, assessments of “high risk” AI, and transparency requirements for AI tools. This legislation is expected to influence regulatory frameworks worldwide, with significant implications for the AI industry.
In particular, the Act’s impact on AI safety in internal communications will be closely watched. Ensuring data security and maintaining compliance with these new regulations will be critical for organisations as they integrate AI into their digital workplace strategies.
Embracing the new wave of innovation
August has been a month of strategic shifts and technological advancements. The partnership between Workday and Salesforce signals a potential redefinition of how HR and digital tools integrate, while the ongoing evolution of AI assistants and new regulatory frameworks highlight the complex challenges and opportunities facing organisations today. As these trends continue to unfold, staying informed and adaptable will be essential for navigating future advancements.
Is there anything we can help with? Whether you’re navigating the complexities of intranet selection or seeking to improve your employee experience, we’re here to help. Contact us to discuss your needs and get tailored advice from our experts.
