A new survey from Zoom in partnership with Reworked INSIGHTS shows that hybrid working has become the preferred work model worldwide, having a significant impact on productivity, employee satisfaction and workplace connectivity. The survey, titled “Navigating the Future of Work: Global Perspectives on Hybrid Models and Technology (Registration),” examines the evolving nature of work, focusing on global trends in workplace flexibility, employee preferences and the growing role of generative AI.

The results suggest that hybrid working is now the dominant approach, with 83 percent of employees reporting higher productivity in hybrid or remote environments compared to traditional office settings. In addition, 82 percent of hybrid workers feel more connected to their teams and managers, challenging the notion that face-to-face interaction is essential for strong workplace relationships.

Sixty-four percent of business leaders are using hybrid working models, underscoring the widespread acceptance of this approach. Executives place particular emphasis on productivity, with 84 percent saying it is their top priority when choosing a working model. The survey suggests that the right technology plays a critical role in maintaining productivity and connectivity in a hybrid environment.

An ongoing project

Despite the current popularity of hybrid working models, the workplace is still evolving. A remarkable 75 percent of executives expect changes to their work style within the next two years, with 82 percent planning to make their work environments even more flexible. Over the past two years, many companies have already made significant progress in this direction, with 95 percent of executives reporting greater flexibility in their workplaces.

Generative AI is highlighted as a key factor in shaping the future of work. While 75 percent of employees believe their current remote work tools need improvement, 94 percent of leaders say they are already using AI in their organizations, with 84 percent noticing a positive impact on productivity. In addition, 64 percent of employees agree that generative AI makes their jobs easier, indicating widespread adoption of this technology.

In Western Europe, 75 percent of companies have adopted hybrid working models, with 77 percent of knowledge workers reporting higher productivity in these environments. However, compared to other regions, Western Europe shows the least interest in fully remote working. In the Asia Pacific region, 58 percent of companies have adopted hybrid working models, with 83 percent of employees reporting higher productivity in hybrid or remote environments.

Image: Bisley