The 2025 Digital Employee Experience (DEX) Report by Ivanti reveals that tech disruptions are costing organisations millions in lost productivity each year, presenting a significant challenge for COOs and CHROs in Southeast Asia.
The report reveals the disconnect between companies' digital maturity perceptions and the everyday tech challenges faced by employees.
Despite a projected increase in AI investments—92% of companies plan to boost their AI spending over the next three years—only 21% of office workers report that AI significantly enhances their productivity. This discrepancy highlights a concerning trend: digital friction is undermining the potential benefits of AI, leading to tech problems that negatively impact employee efficiency.
On average, employees experience 3.6 tech interruptions and 2.7 security update disruptions per month, resulting in nearly $4 million in lost productivity annually for a typical company with 2,000 employees.
The rapid proliferation of workplace tools further complicates the situation. With many employees left to self-educate on new technologies, frustration levels are rising. While 93% of companies permit AI use, only 40% have provided adequate training to help employees leverage these tools effectively.
“As organisations accelerate their AI investments, it’s clear that realising AI’s promise requires a deeper understanding of the employee experience and impact on productivity,” said Dennis Kozak, CEO of Ivanti.
“Tools that monitor and analyse how employees interact with technology in real time, like Digital Employee Experience (DEX) solutions, offer data-driven insights—revealing workflow bottlenecks and initiating self-healing actions.” Dennis Kozak
The report also highlights a shift in workplace benefits, with employees increasingly seeking autonomy over their technology. Currently, only 36% of workers feel they have a say in the devices they use, despite 67% indicating that this choice is important to them. This autonomy is becoming a critical factor in employee satisfaction.
Moreover, AI is transforming help desks by moving them beyond traditional break-fix support. While many companies have automated basic IT operations, such as security patch management, nearly 40% have yet to automate password resets, indicating a significant opportunity for improvement.
For COOs and CHROs in Southeast Asia, these findings emphasise the need for strategic investments in Digital Employee Experience solutions. Fostering an environment that prioritises employee technology engagement and support is essential for enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.
