Zoom: Remote work doesn’t equal isolation, instead hybrid is good for connection

Despite the headlines on a mass rush to fully return to office, hybrid work remains king.

That’s according to new research from videoconferencing giant Zoom, which surveyed 600 leaders and 1,900 workers across the world.

The data shows that more than six in ten employees currently work in a hybrid model, and that there are real benefits, notably productivity.

Zoom’s report found that 83% of workers see hybrid work as positive for their productivity (83%) this is because they get more work done in a hybrid or remote location than they do on-site (84%).

Leaders agree that the link between productivity and workplace styles is essential (84%), and 95% say they have embraced more and more flexibility over the last two years.

Interestingly, the report found that the value of hybrid work goes beyond productivity.

Zoom’s Head of Global Real Estate & Workplace Alana Collins exclusively tells UNLEASH:  “The survey data shows that hybrid workers feel a stronger connection to their colleagues and managers than full-time office workers, which shakes up the traditional notions around what it means to be ‘connected’ at work and what it takes to be a successful business”.

72% of in-person workers feel connected to their managers, compared to 82% for hybrid workers – it is clear, as Zoom’s report concluded, that “remote work isn’t the instigator of isolation that some make it out to be”.

Credit: Zoom, Navigating the Future of Work.

The value of hybrid work is clear, for employees and employers alike, and it is great to see that organizations are largely on board with this working model.

However, Zoom’s report calls on leaders to not get too comfortable – the world of work won’t stand still for long, and employers need to be ready for the next stage of workplace evolution.

It’s time for a new, AI-powered HR tech stack

75% of leaders told Zoom that they think their organization will change working model in the next two years – 82% plan to embrace more and more flexibility, and this is in response to continued productivity challenges (84%), as well as issues with recruitment (62%) and retention (35%).

This is where new, and better technology can really support employers – not only will it keep the up to date with employee feedback and changing preferences around working models, it can also help to drive even more productivity and connection for employees.

Three-quarters of employees think that their company’s current tech stack needs improving, and 72% say that their employer needs to invest in new tools that support remote work.

Zoom’s data shows that AI, and specifically generative AI, is top of mind for organizations when thinking about HR tech.

94% of leaders say their organization is using AI – the main use cases are chatbots (56%), content generation (49%), and design assistance (46%) – and 84% think that generative AI has impacted productivity at work.

Employees are on board – 64% said that generative AI makes it easier for them to do their jobs.

Talking exclusively to UNLEASH, Zoom’s Collins concludes that organizations, and particularly HR leaders, need to go “all-in on flexible work technology to make the experience smoother for employees”.

She continues: “As the inclusion of AI and digital tools increases productivity, HR needs to maintain a strong tech stack, making sure it can accommodate various work styles and keep up with employees’ different needs.”