August 27, 2024
People want the flexibility of hybrid work, but don’t want to go fully remote
A new survey conducted by Zoom in collaboration with Reworked INSIGHTS claims that hybrid work has become the preferred working model worldwide, with 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] sets out to explore the evolving nature of work, focusing on global trends in workplace flexibility, employee preferences, and the growing role of generative AI.
The findings suggest that hybrid work is now the dominant approach, with 83 percent of employees reporting higher productivity in hybrid or remote environments compared to traditional in-office settings. Furthermore, 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.
With 64 percent of organisational leaders adopting hybrid work models, the study underscores the widespread acceptance of this approach. Leaders are particularly focused on productivity, with 84 percent identifying it as their top priority when choosing a working model. The survey suggests that the right technology plays a crucial role in maintaining productivity and connectivity in a hybrid setting.
A work in progress
Despite the current popularity of hybrid work, the workplace is still evolving. A notable 75 percent of leaders anticipate changes to their working styles within the next two years, with 82 percent planning to make their work environments even more flexible. Over the past two years, many organisations have already made significant strides in this direction, with 95 percent of leaders reporting increased flexibility in their workplaces.
Generative AI is highlighted as a key factor in shaping the future of work. While 75 percent of employees believe that their current remote work tools need improvement, 94 percent of leaders report already using AI in their organisations, with 84 percent noting a positive impact on productivity. Additionally, 64 percent of employees agree that generative AI makes their jobs easier, indicating widespread acceptance of this technology.
In Western Europe, 75 percent of organisations have adopted hybrid models, with 77 percent of knowledge workers reporting higher productivity in these settings. However, Western Europe shows the least interest in fully remote work compared to other regions. In APAC, 58 percent of organisations have embraced hybrid work, with 83 percent of employees reporting increased productivity in hybrid or remote settings.
