Microsoft’s recent Work Trend Index illustrates how work habits have evolved, creating an ‘always-on’ work culture. The report, drawn from data collected from Microsoft 365 applications, shows a dramatic shift in how and when work gets done. Early morning email checks and late-night meetings have become commonplace, with the data indicating that the workday is no longer confined to standard hours. The report underscores that focus is fractured, and productivity peaks at various times throughout the day. The analysis shows a trend of rising informal meetings and meetings held after traditional working hours. Microsoft’s analysis suggests that AI-powered tools are helping employees manage their workload and potentially reclaim some balance. The findings underscore the necessity to reconsider work practices in the face of mounting concerns about employee burnout and the changing dynamics of hybrid and remote work models.
