Can you start by introducing WorkplaceBuddy and sharing the story of how it came to life?
WorkplaceBuddy is a service delivered through a Teams app designed to guide the right people on the right topics, from network disc to cloud migration, to using different copilot solutions. I founded WorkplaceBuddy because I recognized the importance of scalable and continuous adoption support, which cannot be achieved through conventional adoption and training methods.
What inspired you to create a platform like WorkplaceBuddy, and how do your personal experiences shape the company’s vision?
I used to be an adoption consultant at Microsoft, helping larger organizations to make the most out of Microsoft 365. However, my reach as a human being was limited, and in my classroom training I realized everybody had different needs and levels. Moreover, I was taken over by time as after my adoption engagement Microsoft (and other vendors) kept coming with new innovations, making everything we have done in the adoption engagement entirely worthless.
How does WorkplaceBuddy specifically address the challenges of digital tool adoption, particularly with Microsoft 365?
WorkplaceBuddy addresses the challenges of digital tool adoption by providing targeted guidance through our Teams app. It ensures that users receive the right information at the right time, making the adoption of tools like Microsoft 365 more seamless and effective. We have a nice onboarding experience to better get to know our users and we offer always up-to-date content about the different Microsoft 365 topics.
What sets WorkplaceBuddy apart from other employee engagement and productivity solutions in the market?
WorkplaceBuddy stands out due to its focus on scalable and continuous adoption support, delivered through a user-friendly Teams app. This approach ensures that users receive ongoing guidance and support. Also, we are not just a tool. Behind the app there is a great team of people answering user questions if the AI bot was not able to answer (which happens rarely but we have got your back!) and we deliver new content every week. We guide larger organizations with tailored “Waves”, proactive campaigns with dedicated content to specific target audiences. This is where we realize most value.
Who is your target audience, and how does WorkplaceBuddy ensure it meets their unique needs?
The target audience for WorkplaceBuddy includes organizations of all sizes looking to improve their digital tool adoption and productivity. For smaller organizations the biggest added value is that we are significantly more accessible than other solutions, for larger organizations we are the only way to scale in a personal and relevant way – realizing great impact. The platform ensures it meets their unique needs by providing tailored guidance and support through the Teams app, making it easy for users to access the information they need.
What are some of the biggest challenges WorkplaceBuddy has faced so far, and how have you overcome them?
Our biggest challenge was the fact that we were ahead of the market with a solution that is more accessible and scalable. Customers were not ready for this and preferred training. We saw this shifted significantly during 2024, where customers started realizing that training can be useful, but it is more efficient to start with an adoption platform that can reach everybody proactively, helping 80% of the workforce in what they need and identifying what 20% of the workforce need more labor-intensive services.
How does your team approach fostering a culture of innovation within the company?
The team at WorkplaceBuddy fosters a culture of innovation by encouraging continuous learning, experimentation, and collaboration. We prioritize staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and incorporating them into the platform to provide the best possible user experience. We consider ourselves as product leader in the market, as confirmed by major customers who have done extensive research.
What role does AI play in WorkplaceBuddy’s platform, and how do you see it evolving in the future?
AI is the secret sauce that makes WorkplaceBuddy truly special. It delivers personalized guidance and support to users, answering questions and leveraging our video content to provide the right answers. But, AI can only become truly meaningful when it is fueled by our human input: the things we design, the answers we provide, and the content we create. Together, this synergy between human creativity and AI technology makes our platform incredibly powerful. Looking ahead, AI will become even more integral, with advancements in machine learning and natural language processing taking our capabilities to the next level. The future is bright, and we’re excited to see how AI will continue to transform the way we work and learn.
What are your long-term goals for WorkplaceBuddy, and what can users expect in terms of future developments?
Our goal is to make adoption guidance accessible and scalable, and we will do everything we can to disrupt the market for workforce guidance. An example of making adoption guidance accessible is by opening up the market for access to adoption guidance through our app. We are making it possible to also get access to conventional services like training and access to experts. This makes WorkplaceBuddy the one-stop shop for all adoption guidance needs. Users can expect continuous improvements and new features that will further enhance their experience and support their digital transformation journey.
What advice would you give to organizations struggling with digital transformation and employee engagement?
Continuous and scalable support is key for organizations navigating digital transformation and employee engagement. First start with a scalable framework, then apply more labor-intensive methods instead of the other way around. With WorkplaceBuddy, employees can receive the guidance they need to effectively adopt new tools and technologies, ensuring a smoother transition and higher productivity. Embracing this approach can make a significant difference in achieving successful digital transformation.
As a founder, what are the three most important lessons you’ve learned that other entrepreneurs should consider?
A great service is obviously very important to get market reach. Without that we would not become the #1 adoption solution in the Teams App Store. However, I have learned other things: People, people, people.
- Understand your stakeholders: Building strong relationships with stakeholders is crucial. It is about people. Understand their needs, expectations, and how they can contribute to your success.
- Understand your users: Knowing your users is key to creating a successful product. It is about people. Understand what they want, when it is relevant for them, and how your solution can make their lives easier.
- Foster a collaborative culture: Encourage teamwork and open communication within your organization. Also internally it is about people. Create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their ideas and expertise.
How do you see the landscape of digital workplace solutions evolving in the next five years, and where does WorkplaceBuddy fit into that vision?
The landscape of digital workplace solutions is expected to become more integrated and AI-driven, with a focus on personalized and continuous support. WorkplaceBuddy fits into this vision by providing a scalable and user-friendly platform that leverages AI to deliver targeted guidance and support, helping organizations navigate the complexities of digital transformation.
Picture: Sjoerd Koolen, CEO & co-founder of WorkplaceBuddy@ WorkplaceBuddy
Thank you Sjoerd Koolen for the Interview
Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.
