There is no denying the workplace of the future will look very different to today. Business leaders are seeing their industry become disrupted and know they need to do something. Turning to technology can seem the obvious choice but, in fact, the very first place they should be starting is with their employees. There is a no ‘one-size-fits all’ approach. While a solution might make workers in one business more productive, it could cause feelings of disconnect and frustration in another, so while the adoption of effective collaborative tools is a growing necessity, getting it wrong can do more harm than good. While it’s a step in the right direction that so many businesses have begun implementing collaborative tools and flexible working practices, some employees remain tentative about adopting them. The process of successful adoption involves so much more than installing state-of-the-art technology. Businesses needs to understand the current needs, challenges and experiences of their employees, in order to decide what the best solutions and practices are for their workforce. Those businesses that invest in getting it right first time, will see adoption increase and culture thrive, creating an agile and future-proof workforce.