Hong Kong is entering the work instant messaging age

March 17, 2015 - PRLog -- Hong Kong – The working landscape is changing globally, with the trend of moving work and people out of the main office increasing steadily in recent years according to a recent report by Regus, that surveyed 22,000 business people across more than 100 countries worldwide about their attitudes and approaches to work. Some 70% of respondents globally reported that they are seeing more remote workers compared to five years ago. The percentage (80%) in the USA is much higher than its counterparts around the world.

In addition, 73% of respondents globally also highlighted a growing trend for more outsourcing, which may be seen as driving an increase in freelance and contract work. Some 78% of Hong Kong respondents, 84% of China respondents and 85% of Taiwan respondents shared the same opinion.


The nature of these people’s work style requires an equally flexible outlook on work location as they are no longer bound to a single main office to carry out their tasks. They are likely to require independent third party-hosted locations where they can carry out their work professionally, productively and in full privacy.

The high proportion of today’s global business people reporting the same pattern is a clear indication that work habits are shifting with both employers and employees seeking more flexible ways of operating. This is further supported by the report’s finding that having to work regular hours is now considered to be a limitation by 68% of workers who say these are not suited to their duties.

Introducing or increasing the use of instant messaging also contributed to the change of work habits. Some 64% respondents globally indicated that they have introduced or increased use of work instant messaging. In fact, the percentage in the East is much higher than in the West.

“Working habits are changing radically, as increasing numbers of people across the globe use instant messaging at work. The flexible nature of this new working style requires an equally flexible take on location with third-party, professional locations providing a cost-effective solution to changing needs,” said Michael Ormiston, Country Manager, Regus Hong Kong.

“There are many reasons for this change, but certainly it suits as many businesses as it does business people, with both sides increasingly looking for more flexibility than the traditional full-time work contract may afford.”