Hybrid, flexible and AI-ready: new international study uncovers workforce realities in 2025

As hybrid working has asserted its dominance within the corporate landscape, a new international study from Futuresource Consulting reveals a workforce navigating not just physically, between the office and home, but also mentally and cognitively, between old routines and emerging technologies. 

The Evolution of Work Survey 2025, based on responses from over 3,000 employees across France, Germany, India, Japan, the UK and the US, provides a detailed snapshot of how professionals are adapting to flexibility, embracing AI and redefining how, when, and where work happens. 

“Today’s workforce is no longer passively adapting to change, it’s co-authoring it,” says Laura McGuire, Research Analyst at Futuresource Consulting. “Across all six countries surveyed, we see employees seeking autonomy and digital fluency, while employers are still finding their footing on policies and preparedness. The result is a hybrid model full of promise, but with potential for friction.” 

Flexibility and choice bring employee satisfaction

The research finds that hybrid arrangements are holding steady, with 37% of employees splitting time between home and office, which is almost identical to 2024 levels. While nearly two-thirds are satisfied with their current setup, that satisfaction is closely tied to choice.  

Fully remote workers report the highest satisfaction at 86%, while full-time office workers trail behind at 68%. 

AI use growing, but confidence and policy lag behind

AI continues to integrate into the workday, with 63% of respondents using AI tools for professional tasks within the past week, 14 percentage points up when compared with the previous survey wave. However, only 15% work for organisations with formal AI usage policies in place. 

While over half of workers have received some kind of AI training or guidance, much usage is self-initiated. Among those who have received training, more than two-in-three found it helpful and detailed, highlighting the value of employer-led AI enablement. 

Headphones, laptops and dual-use tools in demand

Across both home and office environments, laptops, headphones and smartphones are the cornerstone devices of the modern worker. Dual-use is widespread, with nearly half of those working from home using their smartphone for both personal and professional tasks. For laptops, dual use stands at 44% of home workers, and for headphones, 36%. 

On average, hybrid employees transport three device types between home and office each week; most commonly laptops and headphones. The report also shows a strong appetite for personalised or supplementary gear, with 41% of headphone users purchasing their own equipment for work use. 

Meeting fatigue persists everywhere

Whether in-office or remote, employees report growing frustration with the volume of meetings. 42% of office workers and 37% of home-based workers say they’re attending too many. Senior staff are most affected, spending more time in meetings across formats and sizes. 

Despite this, most workers value a balance. Half of office workers prefer a mix of virtual and in-person meetings, with preferences likely to be shaped by meeting type, team location and collaboration style.  

The future of work is built on empowerment

“Our research shows that the lines between home and office, and work and personal tech, are continuing to blur,” says McGuire, “and it’s clear that empowerment, not enforcement, will drive productivity. Employees are seeking guidance on AI, pursuing more autonomy over their working hours, and craving access to the tools that make hybrid work seamless.” 

With wide-ranging insight across hardware, software, meetings, AI adoption and more, the Evolution of Work Survey 2025 provides essential data, context and intelligence for hardware vendors, software developers, solution providers and channel partners seeking to align with the modern workplace. For more information or to make a purchase, please contact Johnny at johnny.woodman@futuresource-hq.com or book a meeting here. 

About Futuresource Consulting 

Futuresource Consulting is a leading market research and consulting firm, providing in-depth analysis and strategic insights for the technology and media industries. Established in the 1980s, Futuresource helps global brands understand consumer trends, innovate effectively, and navigate market change.