Pohde launched an AI-focused idea competition and selected Microsoft 365 Copilot as the core tool for testing.
Pilot testing involved four waves of ~100 users each, spanning all areas of the organisation.
Copilot is already delivering benefits such as time savings, improved quality, easier learning, and reduced workload.
As interest in artificial intelligence grew across the social and healthcare sector, Pohde wanted to explore whether AI could concretely improve workflows, quality, and efficiency in a large, geographically dispersed organisation. Manual task handling and high complexity created a need for better tools that could free up time, improve decision‑making, and reduce administrative burdens for both clinical and administrative staff.
At the same time, the organisation lacked a proven method for identifying relevant AI use cases and structuring a secure and controlled implementation. The idea competition clearly demonstrated that employees saw many opportunities—and that there was a need for a systematic way to test and apply the technology.
“The AI trend and hype have been very strong, and there were many promises for the social and health sector as well. We wanted to test if the promises were valid,”
“One of the popular uses of Copilot is solving the blank page syndrome. With Copilot’s help, it’s easy to get started – it can suggest topics and also help refine your outputs,”
“We have received feedback that they have never had such a comprehensive package available in their careers.”
After a county-wide idea competition, Pohde selected Microsoft 365 Copilot as the platform for experimentation due to existing Microsoft usage and clear synergy benefits. Collaboration with Context& began in autumn 2024, starting with planning the pilot structure. Testers were recruited broadly, from administrative roles to clinical professionals. to ensure diverse use cases. Testing took place in four phases with roughly 100 users per wave. Feedback from early groups helped refine later phases and better manage expectations. Technical adjustments focused mainly on distribution-channel definitions for Office products and ensuring devices met Copilot requirements. To support adoption, Pohde formed an internal “wizard network” from the first pilot group. This small group reviewed use cases, adjusted content toward everyday scenarios, and spread knowledge across the organisation. Context& delivered a comprehensive adoption service that included training, case workshops, support clinics, and materials for end users.
Pohde is the wellbeing services county of Northern Ostrobothnia, responsible for healthcare, social welfare, and rescue services for more than 18,000 employees. The organisation ensures safety and wellbeing for residents across 30 municipalities by delivering coordinated services ranging from the city of Oulu to smaller local communities.
Pohde quickly experienced that Copilot improved quality, efficiency, and knowledge work. Meeting transcription and automated summaries became among the most popular features, freeing up significant amounts of time. Copilot also enabled faster access to internal knowledge through targeted information retrieval, reduced ‘blank page syndrome,’ and served as a valuable sparring partner in complex tasks. The phased rollout of the pilot project created strong internal momentum, and users’ positive experiences led to high demand and increased organisational maturity. Feedback showed that employees experienced a noticeable reduction in workload and clear improvements in output quality.
The collaboration with Context& enabled Pohde to carry out a comprehensive adoption that would otherwise have been difficult to manage internally. The organisation is now continuing its work with AI agents and gradually expanding the use of Copilot in line with emerging needs and technological opportunities