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Building high-performing cultures with the right technology

Driving performance and improving productivity.

Updated: October 28, 2025

Productivity is needed for long-term success. And this is important in Canada because a recent OECD report noted that while GDP growth strengthened in 2024, GDP per capita had fallen below pre-pandemic levels.

This should be a wake-up call for Canadian businesses where increased productivity is a mandate for success. It means rethinking how work is structured, how teams collaborate, and how technology can remove barriers to performance. Productivity isn’t just about output, but It’s also about enabling employees to do their best work and make meaningful contributions.

From an HR perspective, it must include the whole employee experience. Technology enables an organization to manage the workforce but can also enhance employees’ overall experience.
Arqam Imran, Senior Manager, HR Transformation and People Experience at BDO

It begins with the right culture that’s supported by the right technology. Organizations that invest in both are poised to lead with a distinct competitive advantage.

Culture as a catalyst for performance

A strong culture helps foster trust and innovation. It’s the foundation upon which high-performing teams are built, and it must be nurtured through intentional leadership and inclusive practices.

According to Randstand’s Workmonitor 2025 report, 83% of employees want their workplace to feel like a community. This isn’t surprising because employees spend a large amount of time in the workplace and they want to do more than just work with their colleagues. Also, 85% of respondents say they’re better performers when they know their co-workers.

Equity also matters for employees. The report finds that 62% of workers believe equity initiatives can make a difference. However, 59% say their organization isn’t doing enough.

A culture that builds a sense of trust and belonging at work is good for both employers and workers. Organizations should expect talent to perform better and be more productive. More importantly, having the right technology can help employees thrive.

The productivity imperative

Microsoft’s Work Trend Index Annual Report notes a capacity gap in terms of productivity: 53% of leaders want productivity to increase but 80% of the global workforce say they don’t have the time or energy to do their work. 

We’re at an inflection point. Tools like AI can help
Brandon Pittman, Practice Lead, Modern Workplace at BDO

He notes that AI is getting buy-in from workers at many organizations, especially in the legal and financial services industries. 

Companies using AI as much as possible are what Microsoft deems as frontier firms. They’re combining human ingenuity with AI to scale faster, operate more efficiently, and unlock new value. 

From orchestrating intelligent workflows to redesigning org charts around outcomes rather than functions, these organizations are proving that productivity gains don’t have to come at the expense of people. When done right, AI can enhance the employee experience—including for frontline workers, who are often overlooked in digital transformation efforts due to their physical distance from corporate tools and real-time data.

Two businesswomen sitting next to each other looking at a laptop and smiling.

Technology solutions coming together

The use of multiple business applications to develop a comprehensive solution helps create a synergy that becomes transformative. A human capital management (HCM) platform empowers organizations to build high-performing cultures through data-driven insights, flexible benefits, and seamless workforce management. And AI tools amplify that foundation by removing friction from everyday work.

Together, they can create a tech stack that doesn’t just support productivity, it enables it. Imagine a workplace where:

Employees use an HCM platform to access personalized learning paths aligned with their career goals while AI tools help them apply those skills in real time.
The HCM platform integrates payroll, talent management, and workforce analytics, offering a unified experience that empowers HR leaders to make data-driven decisions and support employee growth.
HR leaders use their HCM platform to identify burnout risks and deploy internal communication tools to foster connection and collaboration.
Managers onboard new hires through an HCM platform’s self-guided tools while AI agents streamline their onboarding workflows from day one.
Frontline workers gain access to mobile-first tools that connect them to scheduling, training, and communication. This bridges the gap between corporate strategy and on-the-ground execution.

These aren’t future ambitions; they’re happening now. And they redefine what it means to work well.

The way forward

It’s clear from both reports that successful organizations are those that combine culture and productivity. They invest in tools that empower people, not only processes. They use AI as a partner, not a replacement. And they recognize the best employee experience is one where people are seen, supported, and set up for success.

Arqam Imran, Senior Manager, HR Transformation and People Experience

Brandon Pittman, Practice Lead, Modern Workplace