Strategic insights from DWG’s Research Advisory Board (RAB)
Dear Diary,
January often marks a natural reset in the calendar year. It’s a moment to reflect, refocus and reorient. DWG’s January 2026 Research Advisory Board meeting felt like exactly that: a strategic huddle that surfaced bold ideas, candid reflections and directional signals for the future of the digital workplace.
What followed for me was a Diary-style ponderable of the day: What were my top 10 strategic insights coming out out of DWG’s January 2026 Research Advisory Board meeting?
1. The digital workplace is poised to become truly ‘liquid’
We are entering an era where the digital workplace is fluid, adaptive and personalized. Rather than navigating a fixed set of tools, employees will experience a workplace that intelligently wraps around their needs to deliver information and services in real time and context. This concept of a ‘liquid digital workplace’ represents a leap beyond incremental improvement toward a fundamentally new model of digital experience.
2. AI leadership requires a wide-angle lens
AI dominated our discussion, as it dominates the industry conversation right now. Yet, focusing exclusively on one platform (like Microsoft Copilot) risks narrowing our strategic field of view. True leadership requires examining AI across the entire ecosystem, understanding emerging tools, anticipating disruptions and preparing for opportunities that may come from unexpected directions.
3. Scaling AI means moving beyond pilots
Many organizations remain stuck in proof-of-concept mode. The real challenge is transitioning from isolated pilots to enterprise-wide transformation. A maturity model (framed as ‘good, better, best’) can help leaders understand where they stand and what steps will move them toward scalable, sustainable AI impact.
4. Hybrid teams will include both humans and AI
The notion of ‘human-in-the-loop’ is evolving into humans and AI working as partners. AI agents may soon hold defined roles, collaborate on team tasks and participate in workflows. This shift requires clarity in governance, responsibility and culture – ensuring that AI enhances human strengths rather than blurring important boundaries.
5. AI could finally reinvent knowledge management
For years, organizations have struggled to deliver intuitive enterprise search and knowledge discovery. AI offers a real opportunity to reshape knowledge management (KM) if we rethink content design, taxonomies and governance. Effective KM will then and only then become foundational to ensuring that AI delivers insight rather than contributing to information overload.
6. Metrics must give rise to experience intelligence
Traditional digital workplace metrics are no longer enough. Leaders need actionable insight that connects digital experience to business outcomes, risk and strategic decisions. Measurement must move from activity-based metrics to signals that illuminate productivity, effectiveness and value in an increasingly complex data landscape.
7. Digital literacy must be personalized
Employees have vastly different expectations, comfort levels and learning preferences. Effective digital literacy programmes must meet people where they are: from deep-dive learning paths to quick tutorials to AI-driven coaching. Tailored support will be essential for building confidence and capability in 2026 and beyond.
8. Governance must empower, not restrict
Governance can no longer be perceived as the ‘land of no’. Instead, it must provide clarity, enablement and distributed decision-making. A federated model (similar to federal, state and local levels) helps organizations balance central oversight with frontline empowerment, supporting innovation without losing control.
9. Simplicity is now a leadership strategy
With overwhelming complexity, tool sprawl and non-stop change, simplicity has become a competitive advantage. Designing for clarity, intelligent defaults and minimal friction ensures people can focus on meaningful work rather than navigating clutter. A simplified, coherent digital workplace is a strategic asset, not a luxury.
10. Research must be both snackable and story-driven
In an age of limited attention and unlimited information, insights must be crafted for rapid consumption. Leaders need essential guides, vignettes and concise ‘good/better/best’ summaries. Storytelling – supported by relevance and brevity –will ensure that research not only informs but also inspires action.
Tying things up with a little bow
These 10 insights both reflect a pivotal moment and offer an important reminder: Firstly, the digital workplace is evolving rapidly, shaped by human-centred design, AI acceleration and a real push towards simplicity and clarity. And this serves as an important reminder of the power of the DWG community – with its diversity, candour and shared purpose fully evident throughout our Research Advisory Board discussion.
As a She‑E‑O, I left the meeting energized and ready to champion these ideas across our ecosystem. In 2026, we are not simply witnessing change; we are shaping it.
So what’s on the menu for DWG’s 2026 research programme?
Well, that’s a separate share. Our 2026 research programme overview is now being served proudly in snackable fashion on Digital Workplace Impact podcast. You can also read about the programme in full on the DWG website along with the DWG member extranet.
Happy Reading!
— Nancy
Categorised in: → Diary of a She-E-O, Blog, Business leadership
