Zoom’s latest survey, unveiled at its inaugural EX Summit 2024 in Asia Pacific (APAC), highlights the ongoing evolution of workplace dynamics in the region. Titled “Navigating the Future of Work: Global Perspectives on Hybrid Models and Technology,” the survey reveals that while hybrid work models are the preferred choice for the majority of organizations in APAC, employee engagement remains a significant challenge.
Conducted in collaboration with ReworkedINSIGHTS, the survey gathered insights from over 600 IT and C-suite leaders and nearly 1,900 knowledge workers worldwide, including 604 respondents from APAC. The study sheds light on the region’s views on workplace models, productivity, the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI), and the future of work.
Hybrid Work Dominates, But Challenges Remain
The survey found that 84% of organizations in APAC have adopted either hybrid (58%) or remote (26%) work models, reflecting a strong preference for flexible working arrangements. However, despite the widespread adoption of these models, nearly six in 10 leaders in the region report a decline in employee engagement.
“Workplace flexibility is not only becoming increasingly commonplace in the APAC region, but more diverse in itself — ranging from flextime to location, role, and even rotation-based models,” said Ricky Kapur, Head of Asia Pacific at Zoom. “Leaders today are faced with a new challenge of finding the best-fit hybrid model while keeping up with the evolving expectations of a multi-generational workforce and the impact of rapidly advancing technologies like AI,” he added.
The Role of Generative AI in the Future Workplace
As organizations strive to enhance productivity in hybrid settings, the role of generative AI has come to the forefront. The study revealed that 85% of APAC leaders believe generative AI has made their workforce more productive. However, significant barriers to AI adoption persist, with 70% of employees citing a high learning curve and 55% expressing concerns about the impact of AI on their jobs.
“While our study shows that APAC leaders generally recognize the productivity benefits that adopting AI at work can bring to their teams, many are not utilizing AI to their full potential. As organizations seek to reduce friction in the transition to hybrid ways of working, AI is a critical tool at their disposal to help employees collaborate better and feel more connected to each other,” Kapur added.
Looking Ahead: Flexibility and Adaptation Are Key
Despite the current dominance of hybrid models, the survey indicates that workplace strategies are far from set in stone. Seventy-seven percent of leaders in APAC believe their organization is likely to change its workplace model within the next two years, underscoring the need for continuous adaptation and feedback from employees.
Ultimately, the survey emphasizes the importance of keeping employee engagement and experience at the core of workplace strategies. As organizations navigate the evolving landscape of hybrid work, leveraging the right technology, including scalable and adaptable AI tools, will be crucial to building a successful, future-ready workplace.
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