Gartner unveils top predictions for IT organizations and users in 2025 and beyond

  • 2025/01/21
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Gartner, Inc., a global leader in technology research, has revealed its strategic predictions for 2025 and beyond, focusing on the profound impact of generative AI (GenAI) across industries. As AI continues to evolve alongside human interaction, Gartner highlights opportunities and challenges in embracing this transformative technology. “It is clear that no matter where we go, we cannot avoid the impact of AI,” said Daryl Plummer, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner. “Before AI surpasses human adaptability, we must leverage its potential to improve our capabilities.”

Reshaping Organizations Through AI

By 2026, Gartner predicts that 20% of organizations will adopt AI to simplify their structures, eliminating more than half of current middle management roles. This shift will result in:

  • Immediate gains: Reduced labor costs and enhanced productivity.
  • Future benefits: Automated task management, performance monitoring, and broader managerial focus on strategic initiatives.

However, challenges such as job security fears, manager workload increases, and disrupted mentorship pathways could undermine organizational morale and growth.

Combatting Digital Addiction

By 2028, approximately one billion people will experience the effects of digital addiction, prompting 70% of organizations to introduce anti-digital policies. Prolonged digital immersion is expected to lead to:

  • Workplace consequences: Lower productivity, heightened stress levels, and mental health concerns like anxiety and depression.

Proposed solutions: Organizations may enforce screen-free meetings, email-free Fridays, and mandatory digital detox periods to counter these effects.

AI in Executive Decision-Making

By 2029, 10% of global corporate boards will rely on AI-generated insights to challenge executive decisions. This trend could:

  • Enhance governance: Empower boards to critically assess leadership decisions based on data-driven insights.
  • Shift power dynamics: Limit the influence of over reliant CEOs and foster more collaborative decision-making processes.

AI Monitoring Employee Sentiment

Gartner forecasts that by 2028, 40% of large enterprises will use AI to monitor and influence employee behavior. Sentiment analysis tools will gauge workplace interactions, aiming to foster motivation and alignment with company objectives.

While this offers potential for increased engagement, concerns over privacy, autonomy, and trust may arise, underscoring the need for a balance between efficiency and employee well-being.

Ownership of AI-Generated Personas

By 2027, 70% of employee contracts will include clauses governing the use of AI-created digital personas. As enterprise large language models (LLMs) retain employee data indefinitely, debates around ownership rights are expected to intensify. Public and legal scrutiny may ultimately reshape employment practices to ensure fairness.

AI in Healthcare

By 2027, 70% of healthcare providers will incorporate emotional AI into their operations to combat clinician burnout and rising patient demand. Automating data collection and routine tasks can alleviate workforce strain while improving the patient experience, addressing the sector’s growing empathy crisis.

Rebranding with GenAI

By 2028, 30% of S&P companies will integrate GenAI branding (e.g., “xxGPT”) into their marketing strategies. These efforts aim to differentiate products, enhance customer experiences, and capitalize on new revenue streams driven by industry-specific AI innovations.

AI Security and Risk Management

AI advancements will present new security risks. By 2028, 25% of enterprise data breaches will stem from AI agent abuse, both internal and external.

  • Response strategies: Companies must proactively implement robust security frameworks, including real-time monitoring and ethical safeguards, to address these vulnerabilities.

Guardian Agents for Oversight

To manage AI’s growing complexity, 40% of CIOs will deploy “Guardian Agents” by 2028. These autonomous systems will oversee AI operations, ensuring compliance, security, and ethical usage. Their role will be pivotal as organizations scale AI deployments across functions.

Energy Transformation via Microgrids

To address energy challenges and AI’s resource demands, Fortune 500 companies are expected to redirect $500 billion in energy expenditures toward microgrids by 2027. These independent systems will not only reduce costs but also enhance energy resilience and sustainability.