At Storyals, we believe that the future of work is not just about technology - it’s about people, collaboration, and the ability to adapt. We also believe that we need to have fun at work and get out of our “every day” routine to see things from other perspectives. That’s why we recently hosted a unique event: a simulated “Swimrun” for IT and HR managers. Much like the endurance sport that inspired it, the event was designed to challenge, connect, and inspire HR and IT to work together to succeed in creating the optimal digital workplace of tomorrow.
Before we go on, it might be useful to share what Swimrun actually is. Now a global movement, Swimrun is a unique endurance sport where contestants race in pairs - running across islands and swimming through open waters. Athletes wear wetsuits throughout and swim in their shoes, often connected by a short rope for safety and teamwork. The sport was born in the Stockholm archipelago from a bet between four friends: who could race across a series of islands - running over land and swimming between them - the fastest? The losers had to buy dinner and drinks! That spontaneous challenge sparked what would become the first official Swimrun race, ÖTILLÖ (Swedish for “island to island”) in 2006, and the beginning of a worldwide adventure sport. So next time you see a group of funny looking characters, running with their wetsuits, connected with a rope - you know there is a swimrun going on!
In today’s digital workplace, IT and HR are like Swimrun teammates - each with distinct strengths, but dependent on one another to reach the finish line. IT brings the tools, infrastructure, and innovation. HR brings the people, culture, and learning. Success requires both to move in sync, navigating challenges and adapting to changing terrain.
Just as Swimrun athletes must run and swim in tandem, IT and HR must collaborate across key areas:
· Digital competence & Learning: HR drives upskilling, while IT ensures access to the right tools. Together, they must foster a culture of continuous learning and digital fluency.
· AI adoption & Governance: IT leads implementation, but HR ensures responsible use and ethical guidelines. Jointly, they must shape policies that empower employees while safeguarding integrity.
· Employee experience & Productivity: HR understands what motivates people; IT enables seamless workflows. Their shared goal is to create a workplace where people thrive and technology supports - not overwhelms.
· Change management & Communication: HR crafts the narrative and supports behavioral change; IT delivers the platforms. Collaboration here ensures that transformation is embraced, not resisted.
During the event, we handed out color-coded signs - one for HR and one for IT. We then posed a series of questions, ranging from ownership of digital upskilling to responsibility for AI policies. Participants raised the sign they felt matched the area of responsibility. It was fascinating to see that, while some organizations have clear ownership, in many cases the lines between HR and IT are still blurred. Another important issue raised during the event was the common misperceptions among employees: IT is often seen as just the support desk for technical issues, while HR is viewed mainly as the department for sick leave or administrative concerns. In reality, both HR and IT are fundamental to organizational success and digital transformation - their collaboration is essential for building a modern, resilient workplace where people and technology thrive together.
Throughout the day we shared research on how technology is being used in our workplaces. We shared insights from a recent Swedish study, The Swedes and the Internet 2025, that shows that AI adoption is accelerating, especially among younger professionals. But digital exclusion and digital literacy remain a concern. Many still lack the knowledge or confidence to engage with new tools. This is where IT and HR must step in – together - to bridge the gap.
Another emerging trend that we discussed is what Harvard Business Review calls “AI-generated workslop”- low-quality, unchecked content that clutters workflows and erodes trust. To counter this, IT and HR should work together to:
· Define policies that include, “quality over quantity” in AI use
· Deliver training in how to use AI responsibly
· Lead by example in the use of AI
At Storyals, we’ve updated our AI policy to now include clear guidance to avoid contributing to “workslop” and instead promote thoughtful use of AI that enhances - not diminishes - our storytelling and productivity. Do you want to see our policies to get inspiration for yourself? If so, head over to the “Good stuff” on our website and download a copy of Storyals AI Policy.
Digital transformation isn’t a solo sprint - it’s a Swimrun. It demands endurance, adaptability, and above all, teamwork. When IT and HR are tethered together- sharing responsibility, learning from each other, and moving toward a common goal - the digital workplace becomes not just functional, but truly empowering. We got amazing feedback from the participants who attended our simulated “Swimrun” event for HR and IT. So, who knows, perhaps we will do more virtual Swimrun events for HR and IT in the future? Stay tuned!