Take a look at the latest survey by Zoom, which reveals both the challenges and the solutions for hybrid work in APAC!
Zoom reveals challenges + solutions for hybrid work in APAC!
On 22 August 2024, Zoom released a compelling new survey called “Navigating the Future of Work: Global Perspectives on Hybrid Models and Technology,” which revealed key insights into the hybrid work models in Asia Pacific.
Conducted in partnership with ReworkedINSIGHTS, a leading authority on employee experience and digital workplace trends, the survey highlights both the rising dominance of hybrid work models and the pressing challenge of maintaining employee engagement.
Hybrid Work Models: A Growing Trend
The survey, presented at Zoom’s EX Summit 2024, reveals that a significant shift is underway in workplace models across APAC. With 84% of organizations adopting flexible work arrangements, the hybrid model is particularly prevalent, embraced by 58% of companies, while 26% opt for a fully remote approach.
Productivity remains a critical focus for APAC leaders, with 87% prioritizing it when choosing their work models—higher than the 86% in North America and 81% in Western Europe. Notably, employees in APAC report greater productivity in hybrid settings, with 83% indicating they accomplish more work in hybrid or remote environments compared to traditional in-office settings. This trend underscores the importance of effective technology solutions in maintaining workforce connectivity and efficiency, regardless of physical location.
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Key Takeaways In Summary
- Hybrid Work Models: 84% of APAC organizations are adopting flexible work arrangements, with hybrid models being the most common.
- Employee Productivity: 83% of employees in APAC report higher productivity in hybrid settings.
- Generative AI Adoption: APAC leads in AI tool usage, but challenges such as learning curves and job impact concerns persist.
- Future Outlook: 77% of APAC leaders expect further changes to workplace models, underscoring the need for ongoing adaptation and feedback integration.
The Search for the Ideal Hybrid Model
Despite the preference for hybrid work, companies in APAC are still experimenting with various models to find the most effective fit. The most common configurations are scheduled hybrid (27%) and flextime hybrid (19%), with 13% of organizations using other role-, location-, or outcome-based hybrid models. Impressively, 97% of APAC leaders have increased workplace flexibility over the past two years.
However, hybrid models are not without their challenges. Around 60% of APAC leaders report a decline in employee engagement associated with hybrid arrangements. Ricky Kapur, Head of Asia Pacific at Zoom, notes, “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. 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.”
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Generative AI: A Game-Changer for Hybrid Work
The survey highlights generative AI as a transformative tool for enhancing employee productivity and engagement. Despite its potential, many APAC organizations still need to fully leverage AI’s capabilities. The majority of employees (81%) believe their current remote work tools require improvement—an issue more pronounced in APAC compared to North America (79%) and Western Europe (65%).
Generative AI’s impact is already being felt, with APAC leading the adoption of AI-powered tools such as meeting transcripts and chatbots (53% and 59%, respectively). These tools have been beneficial, with 85% of APAC leaders acknowledging AI’s role in boosting workforce productivity. However, challenges remain: 70% of employees view generative AI as having a high learning curve, 63% feel uneasy about it, and 55% worry about its potential negative impact on their jobs.
Addressing Engagement Through Feedback
As hybrid work models become the norm, 77% of APAC leaders anticipate changes to their workplace models within the next two years, slightly higher than the global average of 75%. To thrive in this new landscape, organizations must remain responsive to employee feedback and adapt their technology strategies accordingly. This includes investing in scalable, adaptable AI tools that align with evolving business needs and employee expectations.
In conclusion, while hybrid work models are gaining traction, the challenge of maintaining high employee engagement remains. Organizations that prioritize technology adoption and actively seek employee feedback will be better positioned to succeed in the future of work. Embracing flexibility and leveraging AI effectively will be key to creating dynamic, engaging, and productive work environments.
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