Zoom survey reveals global shift to hybrid work, AI adoption

A recent survey conducted by Zoom in partnership with Reworked INSIGHTS has highlighted ongoing trends and shifts in workplace models, particularly the increasing preference for hybrid working environments. The report, titled "Navigating the Future of Work: Global Perspectives on Hybrid Models and Technology," revealed several key findings about employee productivity, team connectivity, and the integration of AI in the workplace.

The survey results indicate that 83% of employees feel more productive in hybrid or remote environments compared to traditional in-office or on-site settings. Additionally, 82% of hybrid workers reported feeling more connected to their teams and managers. These insights underscore the broader acceptance and benefits of hybrid work models.

Despite the current adoption of hybrid work by many organisations, the findings also suggest that the workplace continues to evolve. "75% of leaders believe it’s likely that their organisation’s working style will shift within the next two years," the report noted. This indicates that organisations should remain adaptable and responsive to upcoming changes in work environments.

Leaders are also considering the importance of technology in maintaining productivity and connectivity. The survey highlighted that 94% of leaders already use AI in their organisations, and 84% believe that the integration of AI has positively impacted productivity. This reflects a significant reliance on advanced technologies to support flexible working arrangements.

In Western Europe, specific insights reveal a strong adoption of hybrid work models, with 75% of leaders confirming their implementation. Additionally, 77% of knowledge workers in the region report higher productivity in hybrid or remote settings compared to being in the office. However, Western European workers showed the least interest globally in fully remote work, with only 43% expressing a preference for it, compared to 56% in North America and 49% in Asia-Pacific.

The research points to an ongoing need for organisations to invest in adaptive technologies and to consider employees' evolving preferences. It was noted that 82% of leaders plan to make their working styles more flexible in the coming years, and half of the respondents said their organisation's working styles have become much more adaptable over the past two years. Another 45% acknowledged slight improvements in flexibility.

Generative AI emerges as a crucial component of future workplace success. Most employees (75%) agree that their organisation's current tools and technology for remote work need enhancement, while 72% believe new tools or technologies are necessary to support these settings. Both leaders and employees recognise the role of generative AI, with 64% of employees agreeing that it simplifies their jobs.

Breaking the findings down further by regional specifics, the Asia-Pacific region showed that 58% of organisations have adopted hybrid work models, with 83% of employees reporting increased productivity in such environments. However, there is also a significant need for improvement in remote work tools, as 81% believe their current tools need enhancement, and 78% agree on the necessity for new technologies.

The survey data was collected online from more than 600 IT and C-suite leaders and nearly 1,900 knowledge workers worldwide. This comprehensive look at different workplace models, productivity, and the impact of generative AI provides a snapshot of evolving trends. It offers guidance for organisations looking to prepare for the future of work.