Zoom has released a new survey titled “Navigating the Future of Work: Global Perspectives on Hybrid Models and Technology,” revealing significant insights into how organizations in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region are adapting to hybrid work models and the role of generative AI in shaping the future workplace. The survey, conducted in collaboration with ReworkedINSIGHTS, gathered responses from over 600 IT and C-suite leaders and nearly 1,900 knowledge workers globally, including 604 respondents from APAC.

Hybrid Work Dominates APAC, but Flexibility Varies

The survey found that 84% of organizations in APAC have adopted flexible working arrangements, with 58% embracing hybrid models and 26% opting for fully remote work. As companies strive to align their workplace strategies with both business needs and employee demands, productivity has emerged as a key focus, with 87% of APAC leaders prioritizing productivity when determining the best work model – a slightly higher percentage than those in North America and Western Europe.

Despite the preference for hybrid work, APAC organizations are still experimenting with different models to find the right fit. Scheduled hybrid (27%) and flextime hybrid (19%) are the most common, with some companies adopting role-based or location-specific hybrid models. However, the transition has not been without challenges, as 60% of leaders report a decline in employee engagement under hybrid models.

“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.”

Generative AI as a Key Driver of Productivity

The survey also highlighted the growing role of generative AI in enhancing productivity and employee experience in hybrid settings. In APAC, organizations have been particularly proactive in leveraging AI tools, with 53% using meeting transcripts and summarization tools, and 59% deploying chatbots to streamline workflows. These figures are higher compared to North America and Western Europe.

Generative AI’s impact is clear, with 85% of APAC leaders reporting that it has made their workforce more productive. However, challenges remain, as 70% of employees believe AI has a steep learning curve, and 63% are not yet comfortable with its use. Additionally, 55% are concerned that AI could negatively impact their job security.

“While our study shows that APAC leaders generally recognise the productivity benefits that adopting AI at work can bring to their teams, many are not utilising AI to their full potential,” added Kapur. “As organisations 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.”

Adapting to the Future of Work

Looking ahead, 77% of APAC leaders believe their organization will likely change its workplace model in the next two years, reflecting a global trend towards continuous adaptation. The survey underscores the importance of maintaining employee engagement and experience at the core of workplace strategies, with a focus on scalable and adaptable technology solutions, including AI.

As organizations in APAC and beyond navigate the evolving landscape of work, the ability to respond to employee feedback and integrate the right technologies will be crucial to building a future-ready workplace.