March 25, 2025, Frankfurt am Main – Companies in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are continuing to invest in GenAI enhancements for the digital workplace, even amid economic and geopolitical challenges. This is highlighted by the German Social Collaboration Study 2025 conducted by TU Darmstadt and Campana & Schott. The study reveals that 40.5 percent of companies have already implemented such projects, while an additional 35.7 percent are planning expansions.
"Today, a digital workplace equipped with GenAI functions is essential for competitive success," says Boris Ovcak, Partner and Head of the Transformation of Work Division at Campana & Schott. "Companies recognize this necessity and are investing in GenAI projects despite significant uncertainties regarding the economic climate and specific value-adding use cases. However, these investments often proceed without the necessary Adoption & Change Management. A lack of knowledge and employee acceptance poses a significant risk to the success of these projects."
→ GenAI proves its worth
Despite the current crisis, the willingness to invest in GenAI remains high, with nearly half of the respondents (42.9%) expecting a quick return on investment. Those who have already tested GenAI are particularly convinced of its necessity and believe that the costs will quickly pay off. More than half of all respondents (53.4%) consider GenAI relevant even without specific use cases or have already identified some. Only a small fraction (8.8%) view GenAI as irrelevant, indicating broad acceptance of the technology. According to the study, 43.7 percent of companies are already using GenAI tools, with Microsoft 365 Copilot being the most frequently used at 24.0 percent. However, only 41.4 percent of respondents believe they can use GenAI effectively without significant improvements in data quality.
→ Change management gaps threaten success
Gaps in Adoption & Change Management threaten the successful implementation and acceptance of new technologies among employees. The study shows that 49.1 percent of non-managerial employees and 41.1 percent of middle management are unsure whether an expansion of the digital workplace is currently planned. This uncertainty extends to GenAI project investments, with 15.6 percent of senior management, 26.8 percent of middle management, and 40.4 percent of non-managerial employees unaware of the planning status. This highlights a clear deficiency in internal communication from top to bottom. Comprehensive Change Management is crucial for cross-functional solutions to be positively received and utilized by users.
→ Frontline workers often overlooked
There is still a significant need to integrate frontline workers into the digital workplace. Frontline workers, who do not primarily work on computers or other digital devices, such as those in manufacturing and production or customer-facing roles, benefit from a digital workplace through increased satisfaction (5.1 on a scale of 1 to 7), productivity (5.0), motivation (4.9), and company loyalty (4.7). However, managers must first be convinced of these benefits, according to the study.
→ Digital workplace attracts talent
The digital workplace has become a key factor for employees when deciding to stay with or join a company. Respondents identified the most important features of a digital workplace as flexibility through remote work (42.9%) and modern, integrated technology (25.7%). Two-thirds of companies already have a digital workplace or are in the process of implementing one. The main benefits cited by respondents include more efficient communication (46.8%), optimized documentation (36.8%), and improved process design (31.8%).
→ Hybrid work is the norm for information workers
Nearly three-quarters of information workers, who primarily work on computers or other digital devices, alternate between office and remote work based on the situation. They prefer in-person settings for onboarding (58.5%) and team meetings (50.1%), while digital formats are favored for status meetings and brainstorming sessions. Companies need to develop solutions that accommodate individual work styles while enabling productive collaboration.
The German Social Collaboration Study has been conducted annually since 2016. The latest edition surveyed 513 employees from companies in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, including 13.8 percent frontline workers. The respondents are 33.3 percent female, 65.7 percent male, and 1.0 percent diverse. Participants represent various hierarchical levels and are employed across different company sizes and industries. The study provides a comprehensive and independent insight into the role of modern technologies in the digital workplace and their impact on companies in the DACH region. This year's focus is on the opportunities and challenges in Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), Hybrid Work, Employee Experience, and Frontline Workers.
The Chair of Information Systems | Software & AI Business, led by Prof. Dr. Peter Buxmann at the Technical University of Darmstadt, has been at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence (AI) research for over a decade, with a particular emphasis on Generative AI (GenAI). The team investigates the intersection of technology and business, exploring how GenAI can streamline processes, reduce costs, and create new business models. Beyond the technical aspects, they analyze the strategic adjustments required for successful integration, focusing on scalability and responsible use of GenAI. Through a close integration of teaching, research, and continuing education, the chair actively shapes the digital future and fosters knowledge transfer between academia, industry, and society.
For more information: Overview – Prof. Dr. Peter Buxmann – TU Darmstadt
Campana & Schott is an international management and technology consultancy with over 600 employees in Europe and the USA. The company passionately supports its clients through significant transformations, ensuring that initiatives and large projects are sustainably successful. Key focus areas include digitalization, new work, sustainability transformations, and business and organizational transformations. The client base includes 33 of the 40 DAX companies and large medium-sized enterprises. A re-engagement rate of over 90% and top-tier customer satisfaction ratings demonstrate that Campana & Schott consistently exceeds expectations.
For more information: http://www.campana-schott.com/
Agency Contact:
Isabelle Johann, Fink & Fuchs AG
campana-schott@finkfuchs.de, Tel. + 49 611 74131-942
