The evolution of digital workplace teams and careers
How today’s digital workplace teams are rewriting the story of work
For a long time, the people managing the ‘digital workplace’ were frequently overlooked. Yet they were keeping the intranet running and the tools ticking over – often under the radar and usually under-resourced. Fast forward to today and the scene is very different. Digital workplace teams have become the engine rooms of organizational transformation, driving innovation, shaping culture and enabling new ways of working on a global scale.
But how did we get here? What makes a digital workplace team truly high performing in this era of relentless change? And most importantly: how can you set your own team – and your career – on a path to success?
This is the journey at the heart of DWG’s latest members-only research briefing, Digital workplace teams and careers: Evolving for high performance. Drawing from real-world stories, practical frameworks and expert perspectives, this research examines the rise and future of the modern digital workplace team.
From the fringe to the forefront
The evolution of digital workplace teams reflects advancements in technology within the workplace.
The early days of the digital workplace coincided with the emergence of intranets in the 1990s, heralding a shift from hierarchical, paper-based processes to a new world of connectivity. As workplaces globalized, knowledge work went mainstream and technology advanced at speed, digital teams found themselves at the crossroads of change. The narrative traces this evolution through the rise of the ‘network society’, where collaboration – not hierarchy – rules.
The research further spotlights how the Fourth Industrial Revolution (driven by AI, automation and the Internet of Things) has radically expanded the scope, responsibilities and influence of digital workplace professionals. Where once teams operated behind the scenes, today they are the architects of employee experience, productivity and resilience. Digital workplace teams now collaborate across functions, ensuring cohesive technology adoption while continuously evaluating new tools and fostering innovation.
Inside the modern digital workplace team
High-performing digital workplace teams prioritize employee engagement and feedback, and emphasize the digital employee experience (DEX). Historically, organizations employed a top-down approach to digital transformation, which often overlooked what employees really needed. Today, there is a shift towards a more bottom-up model, where employees are viewed as critical stakeholders. The modern workforce demands flexibility, seamless onboarding experiences and the ability to work digitally without digital friction. Digital workplace teams play a significant role in meeting those expectations.
So, what does a high-performing team look like? The research paper builds a profile of such a team through a mixture of case studies and expert insights. A variety of factors together make up a high-performing digital workplace team:
- Team structures
From centralized ‘centres of excellence’ to agile, distributed teams embedded across business units, leading organizations have found success by tailoring structures to their needs and culture.
- Roles and responsibilities
The remit of the digital workplace team is wide. It includes developing and implementing digital workplace platforms and tools, driving user adoption and change management, analysing workplace data and providing insights, ensuring security and compliance in the digital environment, and continuously improving the employee digital experience.
The integrative nature of the digital workplace inherently requires professionals with different skills, expertise and knowledge to work together as a coordinated unit. Roles within the team can be divided into those with a product focus and those with a functional focus. Product-focused teams typically collaborate with IT and manage the products of the digital workplace. Function-focused teams are characterized by the collaboration with and facilitation of different business functions.
- Essential skills
The role of digital workplace leaders has become increasingly multifaceted. The success of a digital workplace team hinges on a blend of strategic vision, teamwork, engagement, innovation and measurable insights. There are several essential skills and competencies for digital workplace professionals. These include strategic vision, collaboration, change management, continuous learning and adaptability.
Trends shaping tomorrow’s teams
No story of the digital workplace would be complete without a look at the horizon. Emerging trends influence the shape and structure of the digital workplace team. These include:
- AI and emerging technology.
- Changing organizational structures.
- Evolving skills requirements.
High-performing teams are continually learning, experimenting and measuring their impact – ensuring their relevance and resilience in the face of constant change.
One of the most striking messages? The move from tactical firefighting to strategic leadership. Digital workplace teams are evolving into ecosystems of expertise, working in networks rather than hierarchies, and placing employees firmly at the heart of every initiative.
What’s next for digital workplace careers?
As the digital workplace continues to evolve and gain strategic importance within organizations, career opportunities for digital workplace professionals are expanding. The career trajectories for digital workplace professionals are dynamic and non-linear. There are, however, common strategies for career development, based on the experiences of contemporary leaders. These are:
- Never stop learning.
- Collaborate across functions and departments.
- Seek diverse perspectives and experiences.
- Invest in your own growth and development.
The future of work is in your hands
As the workplace becomes more digital, the professionals who manage it will become innovators and agents of change. They must continue to foster a culture of learning, adaptation and collaboration. Embrace the challenge, invest in your skills and stay informed. The digital transformation journey continues, and your leadership and vision are paramount to its success. Now is the time to seize this opportunity to shape the future of work and drive your organizations towards a more connected future.
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