The digital revolution isn’t a future probability; the change is already impacting millions of workers around the world. As businesses implement new technology, an unforeseen side effect has been the metamorphosis of workplace culture.

“We’re driving digital transformation for our clients and within our own business, and it’s equal parts technology, talent and change, and so you have to bring those things together,” said Andrew Wilson (pictured, left), chief information officer of Accenture LLP.

Wilson was joined by Ellyn Shook (pictured, right), chief leadership and human resources officer of Accenture, for an discussion with Rebecca Knight (@knightrm) and Dave Vellante (@dvellante), co-hosts of theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s mobile livestreaming studio, at the ServiceNow Knowledge event in Las Vegas. They discussed how Accenture is addressing the challenges associated with moving a traditional workforce into a digital workspace, both within the company itself and for its clients. (* Disclosure below.) 

Diversity is the heart of modern transformation

“We’re all human beings, whether or not we’re delivering services or whether we’re consuming,” said Wilson, describing how the needs of employees and clients are not so far apart. “We must reflect and understand the community we serve … so if we’re not looking like the humans whom we need to look after, then there’s going to be a barrier,” he added, emphasizing the importance of having a diverse workplace to serve a diverse clientele.

Wilson sees his role as more of a “chief experience officer” than CIO and has a goal of making the work experience “frictionless” for Accenture’s clients and 400,000+ employees. He described creating a security training video that mimicked a prime-time crime thriller, making training an elected activity and removing the need for forced attendance at dry lectures.

“[The video] gets great ratings, great viewing figures so it … tells us we’re communicating with our employees. That’s what being ‘in the new’ is about,” Wilson said.

Far from being fearful of job security, employees are embracing technology in their personal lives and they want the same ease and accessibility in the workplace, according to Shook. In a study conducted by Accenture, more than 80 percent of the respondents said they were excited about using new technology in the workplace.

“They see the opportunity, and it’s [the role of] companies and organizations … to tap into that excitement and really change the future of work,” Shook concluded.

Watch the complete video interview below, and be sure to check out more of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s coverage of the ServiceNow Knowledge 2018 event. (* Disclosure: TheCUBE is a paid media partner for ServiceNow Knowledge 2018. Neither ServiceNow Inc., the event sponsor, nor other sponsors have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE