Note: Developed from a live webinar with Natalie and Travis for facility managers
By Travis Kemp and Natalie Appleton
Only a few years ago, many people thought AI was just a buzzword. Now, AI is rapidly transforming workplaces, becoming an operational imperative for countless organizations. As the technology evolves, the transition from generative to agentic AI represents a redefinition of how work is orchestrated, optimized, and experienced.
In our recent webinar session with the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) IT Community, we discussed what this shift means for facility managers and workplace leaders.
Defining the Landscape: Generative AI vs. Agentic AI
“Generative AI is fun and engaging, but agentic AI is where the real workplace transformation happens.” — Natalie Appleton
Generative AI has revolutionized content creation. From writing to image generation, it excels at producing outputs in record speed based on human prompts. Although this functionality is valuable, it relies on constant direction and oversight.
Agentic AI, on the other hand, moves beyond content. It takes goals and acts independently to achieve them. Think automated workflows, predictive scheduling, or intelligent space management—all with minimal human intervention.
“It’s called co-pilot, not autopilot. Agentic AI still needs oversight, but it dramatically reduces the manual load.” — Travis Kemp
Why the Workplace Needs Agentic AI Now
Facility managers are facing unprecedented pressure to deliver better office experiences with fewer resources. Hybrid schedules, underutilized real estate, and higher employee expectations have made operational agility a must.
With the help of Agentic AI, facility managers can:
- Optimize digital signage updates based on engagement data
- Manage and optimize meeting room usage in real time
- Orchestrate employee communications across platforms
- Reduce repetitive and redundant manual tasks across IT, facilities, and HR
As workplaces become more AI-savvy, this technology is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s becoming essential for efficient workplace management.
The Trust Factor: How to Scale AI Responsibly
“AI in the workplace has to be explainable, consistent, and secure. Without trust, adoption stalls.” — Natalie Appleton
As we discussed in the webinar, the biggest roadblock isn’t always technology—it’s trust. Many teams are hesitant to hand over control to AI systems.
To help ease employees into the transition, we encourage a “trust but verify” model:
- Start with semi-automated tasks
- Monitor performance and feedback closely
- Maintain human oversight for decision-critical workflows
Security and governance must be top priorities. From data encryption to user permissions, AI tools must meet enterprise-grade standards.
Training for the Agentic Era
“The output is only as good as the input. Teaching teams how to prompt effectively is non-negotiable.” — Travis Kemp
Even the best AI tools fall short without proper employee training. Offering prompt engineering sessions, conducting ongoing AI literacy programs, and creating internal communities of practice ensures teams make the best use of the technology.
Helping employees understand practical AI strategies is key to building confidence and unlocking the full value of the tools.
We’ve seen success at Korbyt with internal sessions like “Training Tuesdays” and prompt engineering walkthroughs hosted by our CTO. These foster a culture of experimentation and continuous learning.
Future-Proofing: Tech + Culture
Future-proofing isn’t about predicting the next tool; it’s about building resilience and avoiding the need for costly overhauls as technology changes. We advise:
- Investing in interoperable platforms
- Selecting vendors with transparent product roadmaps
- Creating scalable governance structures
Leadership plays a central role here. When executive teams model trust and advocate for AI use, adoption flows downward more effectively.
“Leadership buy-in is the difference between dabbling and transformation.” — Natalie Appleton
The 5C Framework for Workplace AI
To thrive in the modern workplace, organizations need reliable AI tools that span generative and agentic capabilities, alongside training that prepares the workforce for the future. Meeting that need requires solutions that are practical, scalable, and trusted. At Korbyt, we’re dedicated to helping our customers operate as efficiently and effectively as possible. That’s why we created Korbyt 5CAI.
Korbyt 5CAI delivers a suite of generative and agentic agents built to streamline operations, reduce manual effort, and empower facilities managers and workplace leaders.
- Create: Uses generative AI to rapidly build content
- Curate: Intelligently organizes and delivers the right content at the right time
- Concierge: Conversational assistant for personalized smart booking
- Command: AI-led device and IT management
- Clarity: Data insights delivered automatically to stakeholders
Our framework aligns with both employee experience and operational efficiency, and it’s designed to grow with your organization. As our roadmap continues to evolve, we’re deepening our AI capabilities with the goal of meeting your needs now and well into the future.
Final Thoughts
“AI should help us do more of what matters. It’s not about replacing people—it’s about amplifying their impact.” — Travis Kemp
As AI continues to evolve, the organizations that will thrive won’t be those with the most tools—it will be the ones who build a culture of adoption, learning, and transparency.
We’re still early in this journey, but the rise of agentic AI alongside generative AI is already redefining what’s possible in workplace management. It’s time to move forward, with intention, clarity, and confidence.
About Authors
Natalie Appleton is a workplace experience leader with nearly two decades of expertise in space and meeting management. As Vice President of Workplace at Korbyt, she draws on her work with more than 150 global clients to shape strategies that simplify how people connect with spaces and resources. Natalie earned her MBA from the University of Phoenix in 2006. She remains active in the professional community through IFMA, ILTA, InfoComm, AVIXA, and WorkTech, contributing to the ongoing conversation on facility management, space utilization, and the future of work.
Travis Kemp is the Vice President of Product at Korbyt, where he leads product management and training initiatives. With a degree in Network Engineering from Michigan Technological University and more than a decade of product leadership experience, Travis has guided large-scale digital signage and space management deployments for enterprise organizations. His background spans hardware, electronics manufacturing, and workplace technology, making him a trusted leader in delivering innovative solutions that enhance the modern workplace.
