Join us as we explore how a strong EUWS partner with a consultative approach can be the game-changer in your workplace transformation journey. Learn how to define clear objectives, translate your business goals into actionable strategies, and avoid the common pitfalls that lead to inefficiency and wasted resources.
Mid-sized companies (100-999 employees) often jump into end-user workplace services (EUWS) projects with excitement – new laptops, slick collaboration platforms, a modern self-service portal… sounds great, right?
But there’s a critical piece that’s often skipped, and frankly, mid-sized businesses can’t afford to ignore it.
Without strategic alignment, even the best tools fail to deliver real business value. You end up with expensive toys that don’t move the needle.
Here’s the overlooked key: A strong EUWS partner, with a consultative approach, helps you build that alignment, not just sell you the latest gadgets.
The Pitfalls of Tech-First, Strategy-Later
Too many EUWS initiatives bubble up from the bottom:
· Local IT teams push for upgrades
· Procurement obsesses over cost
· Deployment turns into a race to “go live”
The result, without tying it to the broader business objectives?
· Fragmented, inefficient toolsets
· Sky-high support costs
· Complicated support processes
· Low user adoption
· Zero visibility on ROI. Where’s the business impact?
The Solution: co-build your strategy with the right partner
A mature EUWS vendor – one with consultative advisors, not just order-takers – will help you:
· Define crystal-clear EUWS objectives: User satisfaction? Compliance? Cost control? Agility?
· Translate business goals into technical priorities and measurable KPIs.
· Choose the right level of standardization, support, and device mix for your unique business reality
· Design realistic SLAs/SLOs that fit your user base and budget.
· Avoid over-engineering (“gold-plating”) or underestimating your EUWS stack
The best providers challenge your assumptions, not just rubber-stamp your specs.
Real-World example: A vendor experienced with remote work might advise against a fragmented BYOD approach and propose a secure DaaS solution, even if it means a smaller initial deal size. Why? Because it better supports your team and ensures compliance.
The Power of a Consultative Team
In the mid-market, where resources are stretched, your EUWS provider should be:
· A strategic guide, not just another hardware dealer; at the end of the day, you’re purchasing production tools, not coffee caps
· A translator connecting IT, finance, HR, and the C-suite; a powerful partner can really help any IT getting investments done with proper business case if they support the company’s growth
· A challenger, prioritizing ROI over shiny new features; once again the business case would be the alpha and the omega here
· A proactive support partner, not a ticket-escalation service; you’re not looking for extra resources to manage but the opposite to get relieved from certain burden
Look for providers who offer:
· Business outcome-driven consultants, trained to tie solutions to your business context
· Tools like TCO models, persona-based device planning, and service design workshops
· Benchmarking data from similar organizations
Don’t mistake “sales” for a hard sell. The best providers co-design your future workplace.
Strategy over Perfection (The 80/20 Rule)
Let’s be real: 99.99% uptime sounds impressive, but what if 99.9% already meets your business needs or even 99%?
Chasing that last “less-than-a-%” could triple your costs with zero impact on user experience or revenue.
Your provider should help you:
· Apply the 80/20 rule to coverage, automation, and standardization
· Make risk-based decisions to align services with true business requirements (e.g., break-fix times for field teams vs. back-office)
· Implement Fit-For-Purpose support and lifecycle models
Steer clear of these mistakes
· Running EUWS projects in isolated IT silos
· Selecting vendors who only respond to RFP specs
· Overspending on unnecessary SLAs or tools
· Underestimating internal change fatigue or training needs
Finding the Right Partner is Key
Especially for mid-sized companies, an EUWS provider can be:
· A force multiplier of your internal resources
· A sounding board to learn what works (and what doesn’t)
· A driver of measurable business outcomes, not just technical delivery
“A great contract starts with shared business understanding.”
Make sure your EUWS provider is focused on aligning your technology with your business goals.
COMING NEXT: Scaling Smart: How to Standardize Without Sacrificing Flexibility
In our next article, we’ll explore how to manage EUWS growth without the complexity, through thoughtful standardization and vendor consolidation.
If you’re reviewing your workplace services or planning a transformation, reach out.
We’re here to help you simplify the complex, reduce costs, and create real value — with the right partner by your side.
