Hybrid Work Grows as 75% of Leaders Plan Greater Flexibility in the Next 2 Years

A recent survey published by Zoom reveals that the hybrid model has become the preferred work environment worldwide, with each region surveyed adopting the flexible work arrangement in a way that suites its unique needs and preferences. 

Perhaps the most notable finding is that the majority of leaders, or 75%, say they expect their workplace model to change within the next two years, and most said they plan to make their workplace more flexible.  

“Workplaces are becoming more flexible, and these decisions are driven by both employee and leadership preferences,” according to the report. “This is significant because it shows that organizations can’t ignore the preferences of employees and expect to attract the same number of new recruits as before. To recruit and engage people, organizations must meet people where they are.”  

The high adoption rate of hybrid work internationally varies by region as cultural and economic expectations influence the rising trend. In Western Europe, for example, 75% of leaders have embraced hybrid models — with 77% of employees reporting increased productivity. In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, 58% of organizations have implemented hybrid work and 83% of employees said they experience higher productivity. However, the need for better tools and strategies in the APAC region points to the importance of investing in technology and infrastructure to better support the rise of flexible work environments in specific areas.   

Contrary to concerns that remote work might harm team communications, the survey shows that 82% of hybrid workers feel more connected to their teams compared to 72% of in-office workers. This finding challenges the notion that face-to-face interactions are better for building strong workplace relationships.  

The majority (84%) of organizational leaders identified productivity as a top desire when selecting a work model, and this is followed by the desire to recruit more talent (62%). As hybrid and remote work continue to grow, companies will increasingly invest in technology and processes that support productivity while also offering the flexibility needed to attract skilled employees.  

Factors driving the global trend toward hybrid work are also linked to the rise of generative AI (gen AI), which is increasingly being integrated into workplace strategies. The study found that 94% of leaders are already utilizing AI tools and 84% acknowledge its positive impact on workplace productivity. Zoom found that AI-driven solutions are helping organizations improve their hybrid work environments through applications like chatbots (56%), content generation (49%), and design assistance (46%).  

Looking ahead, the future of work is becoming more and more distributed. Regardless of the strategy in place, the need for adaptability and continuous workplace updates will always remain if companies want to stay competitive and attract top talent.