- Half of hybrid workers spend more than 50% of their time in the office, attesting to the benefits of flexibility and in-person collaboration.
- CCS Insight reveals that only 20% of businesses deploy generative AI tools to their full organization.
- Companies committed to sustainability goals and employee well-being will attract top talent.
- Employees’ perceptions of leading technology providers have shifted for the first time in five years, disrupted by emerging technologies like generative AI.
London, 12 December 2024: Global analyst firm CCS Insight has unveiled the findings of its annual Employee Workplace Technology Survey. The report highlights a significant shift in workplace practices driven by the integration of modern technology and reveals persistent challenges that organizations must address.
The comprehensive survey analyses changing work patterns, established and emerging workplace technologies and perceptions of major technology brands, offering deep insights into employee experiences, preferences and challenges. Drawing on responses from over 600 employees across diverse roles and industries in the US, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden and the Netherlands, the report uncovers key trends shaping the future of work.
Hybrid Work Remains Dominant Despite Employer Pushback
Despite increasing tensions and a push from some employers to return to a traditional office working model, hybrid work continues to be dominant, adopted by 63% of employees CCS Insight surveyed. Only 33% of respondents work full-time in company offices, and a mere 4% are fully remote. Interestingly, nearly half of hybrid workers spend more than 50% of their time in the office, suggesting that employees value flexibility and still appreciate the benefits of in-person collaboration.
The prevalence of home working environments also surged this year, with the proportion of employees with dedicated home office spaces jumping from 49% in 2023 to 67%. This reflects growing confidence in the long-term viability of hybrid work and underscores the need for organizations to support productive home environments.
However, the tension between employee preferences and company policies is evident. Traditional sectors like financial services are advocating for a full return to the office, with some tech giants recently scaling back remote working privileges. These moves highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing organizational objectives with the clear desire among employees for flexible working arrangements.
“Despite the growing push for in-office presence, our survey shows that employees are steadfast in their preference for hybrid work,” said Maria Bell, Senior Analyst at CCS Insight. “Organizations have made great strides in establishing the required technical foundations, but they risk employee dissatisfaction and potential attrition if they ignore these preferences. The future of work is undeniably flexible, and companies that embrace this will be better positioned to attract and retain top talent”.
Over 80% See Efficiency Boost from Generative AI, But Only 20% Have Full Access
Generative AI is significantly improving workplace productivity. The survey reveals that 80% of employees use AI tools in some capacity and 33% rely on them daily. An impressive 85% of users report improvements in efficiency, and 84% note enhanced overall productivity. However, access to these transformative tools is limited — CCS Insight’s survey shows that only 20% of organizations offer company-wide deployment. Expanding access to generative AI could alleviate frustrations among employees eager to integrate these tools into their workflows.
Bola Rotibi, Director of Enterprise Research at CCS Insight, commented, “Generative AI is reshaping productivity landscapes, but restricted roll-outs risk leaving significant potential untapped. Organizations must balance security concerns with empowering their workforce to maximize the benefits of AI”.
76% Prioritize Advanced Tools for Career Growth, Elevating Employee Experience
Employee experience is increasingly becoming a strategic priority, with 76% of respondents identifying access to advanced tools as critical for career growth. Additionally, organizations committed to sustainability and employee well-being are more attractive employers. The survey highlights the growing role of cutting-edge technology and visionary leadership in driving talent retention and attraction. Companies embracing these values position themselves as leaders in the competitive talent market.
Generative AI Disrupts Tech Leadership Trends for the First Time in Five Years
In a significant shift, the survey reveals changing perceptions of the leading technology brands shaping the future of work. The competitive landscape has been disrupted for the first time in five years, showing the impact of emerging technologies such as generative AI and integrated workplace solutions. Companies that prioritize seamless user experiences and innovative AI solutions are capturing the attention of employees and the broader market.
This shift in market leadership points to a future where bold advancements in AI and workplace integration solutions will determine the competitive edge for businesses across sectors.
Notes to Editors
The research was conducted from August 2024 to September 2024. CCS Insight surveyed 600 employees across diverse roles and industries in the US, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden and the Netherlands. The survey reveals insights into how employees use technology in their workplace. It also examines their experiences and attitudes toward changing ways of working, established and emerging workplace technologies and major technology brands.
The survey covers key topics including hybrid and remote work, devices and connectivity, communication and collaboration, generative AI, the future workforce and perceptions of leading technology providers.
More details of CCS Insight’s enterprise research can be found at: www.ccsinsight.com/research-areas/workplace-transformation/.
About CCS Insight
CCS Insight is a global analyst company focusing on current and future trends in technology. The firm offers comprehensive services tailored to meet the individual needs of its clients, helping them make sense of the connected world and optimize their strategies. CCS Insight provides valuable insights and analysis to navigate the complex technology landscape. Follow @CCSInsight on X or learn more at www.ccsinsight.com.
For further information contact:
Harvard PR
Email: ccsinsight@harvard.co.uk