11 must-know hybrid work trends in 2025

From startups and small businesses to industry giants, organizations worldwide are experimenting with hybrid work models, if not establishing them as the new normal. But as the landscape evolves, staying ahead of the curve is important. Understanding these shifts can help you optimize your approach and be ready for any changes in the dynamic world of flexible work.

We uncovered key trends shaping the current state and future of flexible work through analysis of existing industry data and our own research, surveying more than 600 IT and C-suite leaders and nearly 1,900 knowledge workers across the globe. Whether you're a veteran of the hybrid work environment or just beginning your organization's flexible journey, here are 11 must-know hybrid work trends.

1. Hybrid is king by popular demand

If you thought a fully remote work model was the dominant preference among workers, think again. Employees increasingly demand flexible arrangements that combine the benefits of in-office and remote work. This preference for hybrid work is evident in the growing number of organizations adopting hybrid policies and the positive feedback from employees who have experienced this model firsthand.

Our white paper on Navigating the Future of Workfound that the hybrid work model reigns supreme, with 75% of business leaders noting that their organizations will likely change their models in the next two years. We've also found that in North America, the hybrid model is the most common workplace model. Sixty percent of leaders say their company operates a hybrid model, while 27% are in-office and 13% are remote.

This surge in popularity highlights the appeal of flexible work, which provides employees with greater autonomy, improved work-life balance, and access to collaborative opportunities.

2. Employees feel more connected to their teams when working hybrid than in-office

Contrary to popular belief, a well-designed and properly equipped hybrid work model can foster stronger human connections than a traditional in-office setup. Our white paper on Navigating the Future of Workfound that hybrid workers reported higher levels of connectionwith their managers, team members, and senior leadership compared to their in-office counterparts.

• Employees working a hybrid model say they feel very/moderately connected to their managers (82%), coworkers on the same team (87%), and the company as a whole (76%).
• Remote working employees report feeling very/moderately connected to their managers (79%), coworkers on the same team (81%), and the company as a whole (75%).
• In-office employees report feeling very.moderately connected to their managers (72%), coworkers on the same team (84%), and the company as a whole (68%).
  

Hybrid work can effectively provide a healthy balance that fosters good working relationships. By leveraging technology and intentional planning, organizations can create a sense of community and belonging among employees, even when they're not physically together on a daily basis.

3. Midsize and large companies are more likely to gravitate toward a hybrid work model

The size of the organization plays a significant role in determining the ideal work model. While smaller companies may find it easier to maintain a cohesive team culturewith a predominantly in-office or fully remote approach, larger organizations often benefit from the flexibility and efficiency of a hybrid model.

The larger an organization is, the more likely it is to have a remote model. The hybrid work approach is quickly becoming the norm for enterprise-level organizations (500+ employees) - in fact, 64.4% of them are already operating a hybrid workplace model.

Midsize and large companies are more likely to gravitate toward hybrid work for several reasons, mainly because managing a larger workforce can be challenging. Hybrid work allows for greater flexibility in accommodating diverse employee needs and preferences. Additionally, hybrid models can improve employee satisfaction and retention by offering a balanced approach that combines the benefits of in-office collaborationwith the flexibility of remote work.

4. The hybrid workplace is still evolving

As organizations, employers, and employees gain more experience with hybrid work, it makes sense that they would experiment with ways to optimize this approach and address emerging challenges. This ongoing evolution is likely to shape the future of hybrid work significantly.

One key consideration is the increasing flexibility and personalization of hybrid arrangements. As employees become more accustomed to remote work, they may seek greater autonomy in determining their work schedules and locations. While employees seem to prefer hybrid work models, most of them (58%) say they expect their preferences to change over time.

The hybrid workplace is not a static concept. It requires ongoing adaptation and experimentation, especially as technology and employee preferences evolve. By embracing flexibility and new technology and prioritizing employee feedback, organizations can create hybrid work environments that are both productive and fulfilling for their employees.

5. Employees are the #1 driving force behind workplace evolution

Employee preferences are the primary catalyst for the rise of hybrid work models. A key factor driving the dominance of hybrid work is employees' desire to work from anywhere rather than being tied to a specific geographic location - especially since advancements in technology enable them to do so. In fact, 64% of employees agree that a return-to-office mandate would reduce their trust in leadership.

The adoption of hybrid work is often driven by a combination of employee demands and strategic decisions by leadership. Our survey revealed similar insights, though employees had more of an impact than leadership. Twenty-three percent of business leaders say employee preferences are shaping the company's flexibility, while 17% attribute senior leadership's preferences.

While senior leadership generally has a smaller influence on these decisions, they have valuable reasons for shifting to hybrid work. For example, many organizations have implemented hybrid models as a means of retaining talent and attracting top candidates. Business leaders say that flexible working hours (67%) and remote work options (58%) are the most effective strategies for employee retention.

6. Increased productivity and ease of recruitment are motivating work model flexibility

Organizations that have embraced hybrid or remote work arrangements often report increased productivity among employees. Reduced commute times and improved work-life balance contribute to employee satisfaction and motivation, ultimately resulting in higher productivity.

Our research found that 84% of business leaders say that increased productivity has influenced their decision to change the workplace model. Additionally, 62% of leaders cite the ability to recruit talent more broadly as a key factor driving their adoption of flexible work arrangements. In short, employees are more likely to pursue flexible work models and generally perform better when working in these models. Plus, flexible work models allow businesses to tap into a much bigger talent pool from different time zones.

7. Flexible work models are fueling the gig economy

The rise of flexible work has contributed to the growth of the gig economy, as more individuals explore opportunities to combine full-time jobs with freelance or contract work. The flexibility afforded by hybrid and remote arrangements allows people to allocate their time and energy more effectively, pursuing additional projects and ventures that align with their interests and skills.

According to research by Upwork, the gig workforce is continuously growing, with 73% of surveyed gig workers noting more flexibility as their motivator. This correlation isn't surprising, as flexible work models and the gig economy have multiple benefits in common, like increased autonomy, the ability to set your own hours, and the potential for higher earnings.

8. Advancements in AI and other tech are making hybrid work as frictionless as in-office work

Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), collaboration tools, and virtual meeting platforms are transforming the way teams collaborate and communicate, regardless of their physical location.

Solutions like Zoom Workspaces and Zoom Roomscan create immersive and engaging experiences for both in-office and remote employees. Additionally, AI-powered features, like smart name tags that utilize facial recognition, can enhance the hybrid experience by making it easier for participants to identify and connect with one another.

Tech advancements like these are allowing teams to better collaborate and focus on more critical areas of their work. According to our research, 94% of business leaders already use AI in day-to-day operations, with 56% saying they commonly use it for chatbots, 49% for content generation, and 46% for design assistance.

To fully leverage technology's potential in flexible work, organizations must focus on improving their technology infrastructure and integrating generative AI into their digital workplace. Without the right digital workplace platforms and AI innovations, organizations risk falling behind.

9. Generative AI is boosting productivity in the hybrid workplace

By automating routine tasks, providing intelligent assistance, and generating creative content, AI can help streamline workflows and free up employees to focus on more strategic and complex work.

Our data shows that 84% of leaders believe that generative AI has improved productivity within their organizations. At the same time, 50% of companies that haven't adopted AI say their major roadblock in doing so is concern over information security, and 45% expressed concerns about reliability.

However, as AI technology matures and security measuresimprove, more organizations will likely adopt AI to boost productivity and enhance the hybrid work experience.

10. Businesses are in dire need of a tech upgrade to support flexible work arrangements

As organizations transition to more flexible work models, they must invest in the necessary tools and infrastructure to support their employees and maintain a seamless experience.

Many professionals feel that their organizations need to improve or acquire the necessary technology to support remote and hybrid work effectively. Our survey found that 75%of professionals agree that the technology their companies currently use needs improvement and upgrades, while 72% feel that their company needs to invest in new technologies in order to support flexible work models.

This suggests a significant gap between the technology available to employees and the tools they require to be productive and successful in a hybrid work environment.

To address this challenge, organizations must prioritize investments in technologythat can help facilitate collaboration, communication, and productivity. This includes tools such as video conferencing platforms, project management software, and AI-powered assistants.

11. The U.S. is more attached to in-office arrangements than much of the world

Workplace preferences can vary significantly across different regions. While North America tends to favor in-office arrangements, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) often opts for hybrid models, and APAC (Asia-Pacific) leans toward remote work. Our study found that 75% of leaders in EMEA lead hybrid organizations, compared to 60% in North America and 59% in APAC.

Even with the prevalence of the hybrid model, 27% of North American-based companies operate an in-office model, compared to 7% in EMEA and 16% in APAC.

These findings suggest that cultural factors, economic conditions, and technological infrastructure can influence regional preferences for workplace models. While hybrid work is gaining popularity globally, its level of adoption varies by region.

How Zoom is advancing flexible work

Our innovative platform provides a comprehensive suite of tools, including video conferencing, audio conferencing, chat, and file sharing, all in one platform. These tools enable collaboration, communication, and connection among teams, regardless of location.

Zoom Workspaces and Zoom Rooms offer dedicated spaces for teams to collaborate and connect, whether in the office or working remotely. Our AI-powered features, such as smart nametags and automated transcription, can enhance the hybrid work experience by making it more efficient and inclusive.

Leverage Zoom's powerful collaboration platformand give your team the tools they need to be effective and productive in a flexible work model.

FAQ

As the hybrid work model continues to evolve, it's important to keep up. Below, we provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about flexible work.

What is the future of hybrid work in 2025?

As organizations continue to adapt to the changing workplace landscape, we can expect to see further advancements in technology, increased flexibility, and a greater emphasis on employee well-being. Hybrid work is likely to become even more integrated into the fabric of modern business, offering a sustainable and effective approach to work.

Is hybrid work a trend?

Hybrid work is more than a trend; it's a structured work model and a long-term shift in the way we work. While its popularity may fluctuate over time, the underlying benefits of flexibility, improved work-life balance, and increased productivity make it a sustainable model for the future.

What are the challenges of hybrid work?

Some key challenges include maintaining team cohesion, providing equitable opportunities for all employees, and managing technology effectively. Addressing these challenges requires careful planning, effective communication, and a commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment.

What is the key to a successful hybrid work model?

The key to a successful hybrid work model lies in creating a balance between flexibility and structure. Organizations must establish clear expectations, provide the necessary tools and technology, and foster a culture of trust and collaboration.