Autonomy and Flexibility Outrank Workplace Technology in Employee experience poll

Jun. 22, 2026

Businesses that over-index on workplace technology risk missing what employees value most, according to a new poll from Wipro's experience innovation company, Designit.

A third of poll respondents (33%) identified autonomy as the most important element of a well-designed employee experience, followed by flexibility (30%). By comparison, better digital tools ranked lower at 21%, while just 15% said leadership that listens was the defining feature of a great workplace experience.

The findings come as organisations continue to invest heavily in AI, automation and digital workplace transformation to improve productivity, engagement and performance. 

The research suggests that while workplace technology remains a critical part of the employee experience, it is no longer a differentiator in its own right. Instead, its value is increasingly judged by whether it gives people greater control over how they work, make decisions and manage their time.

For organisations investing in new platforms and AI tools, the implication is clear: improving employee experience is no longer simply a technology challenge. It is a design challenge.

Niklas Mortensen, EMEA Chief Design Officer at Designit, said:

"That should give organisations pause as they continue to invest in AI and digital transformation. Technology is undoubtedly important, but the real opportunity lies in how organisations design work around those tools. Employees are far more likely to see value from new technology when it gives them greater control over how work gets done, removes friction from everyday tasks and supports the way they want to work. As organisations accelerate AI adoption, there's a risk that success becomes measured by deployment rather than outcomes. The next phase of workplace transformation isn't simply about introducing new technology. It's about designing ways of working that enable people to get the best from it. That means involving employees in how tools are implemented, giving teams flexibility in how they use them, and focusing on the behaviours and experiences technology enables rather than the technology itself. Organisations that get this right won't just improve employee experience; they'll be better positioned to realise the value of their technology investments."