As flexible working arrangements become a mainstay in organizations, meeting room technologies need to be continually reviewed, suggests one regional survey

Based on a Feb 2025 survey commissioned by a meeting-room technology firm involving 1,080 decision-makers (senior managers and above) across 14 markets* in the region — regarding the impact of meeting room technology on workplace productivity, some data findings have been made public.

First, respondents had indicated that their organizations experienced an average loss of 4.5 hours per employee per week due to issues related to meeting technology. This figure was based on self-reported estimates provided by respondents and was not independently verified. According to these responses, the estimated annual financial loss for a hypothetical company with 1,000 employees was approximately US$8.5million.

Second, key challenges identified by respondents included: Technical problems with videoconferencing equipment (63%); use of outdated technology (55%); difficulties in setting up or using meeting equipment (55%).

Other findings Third, regarding work arrangements, respondents had reported that about one-third of their organizations had at least half of their workforce operating remotely. Also:

  • 65% or more of respondents had cited that their employees were reported to spend three to four days per week in the office.
  • 72% of meetings were cited to involve videoconferencing with remote participants.
  • Among India respondents, an average loss of 4.8 hours per employee per week due to meeting technology issues was reported, with an estimated annual cost of US$9m for a 1,000-employee firm.
  • 29% of Singapore respondents had indicated that their organizations were expecting a shift to entirely in-office work within 18 months.

All findings reflect the views and experiences of respondents at the time of data collection and were not independently validated (disclosed via disclaimers in the survey report).

According to Niko Walraven, Area Vice President (APAC), Neat, the firm that sponsored the survey, adopting intelligent, user-friendly solutions can help organizations address challenges associated with hybrid and in-office work environments, in terms of improving efficiency and effective communications.

*Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea), China, India, Japan, (Australia, New Zealand), Singapore