Five ways worker demands are changing - and how technology can keep up

The way we work is evolving at an unprecedented pace. From hybrid work arrangements to heightened security expectations, today's employees are demanding more from their workplaces - both in terms of flexibility and the tools they need to perform at their best. As these shifts continue, technology plays a crucial role in meeting the needs of modern workers, ensuring they can work smarter, faster, and more securely, no matter where they are.

At ASUS, we see these changes first-hand and understand the importance of equipping businesses with the right technology to support a workforce in flux. Our innovation, the ASUS ExpertBook P5, has been designed to meet these evolving worker demands, offering power, security, and versatility in a compact and durable package. Here are five key ways worker needs are shifting - and how technology is stepping up to meet them.

1. Flexibility is no longer a perk—It's an expectation

While data shows more employers will require employees to be in the office full time in 2025, Swinburne University of Technology found in May 2024 that the number of people working hybrid jobs had risen to more than 72% (up from 56% in 2022). While negotiations over hybrid work continue, one thing is clear: employees expect to seamlessly transition between home, office, and on-the-go work environments to keep up with ever-evolving working styles. This shift means technology must be lightweight, durable, and high-performing to keep up.

Devices like the ExpertBook P5 cater to this need with its ultra-portable 1.29kg design, robust battery life, and enterprise-grade security features, ensuring professionals can stay productive wherever they are. With Wi-Fi 6E connectivity and military-grade durability - meeting the US MIL-STD 810H military standard - this laptop is built for the realities of a mobile workforce.

2. Productivity tools must be seamless and reliable

The modern worker is more dependent than ever on collaboration tools, cloud-based applications, and real-time connectivity. Lagging systems or unreliable hardware can lead to frustration and inefficiency.

To counter this, businesses must invest in devices that can handle heavy workloads while maintaining efficiency. Technology that can keep up, such as those equipped with the latest Intel® Core processors, a highly capable NPU and enterprise-level memory, help ensure seamless multitasking across demanding applications, video conferencing, and project management tools.

We are very confident in our product quality and reliability, which is why we also offer an ExpertCare Guarantee, a $500 refund following a hardware repair in the first year of ownership. Ultimately, as professionals demand seamless and reliable experiences, users have peace of mind and confidence that should something happen to their device,  their investment is protected, allowing them to focus on their work without disruption.

3. Security needs are at an all-time high

With cyber threats on the rise according to the Australian Cyber Security Centre's 2024 annual report, businesses can no longer afford to treat security as an afterthought. Employees working remotely or on shared networks require devices that offer enterprise-grade security features to protect sensitive information.

As the ASUS engineering team designed the ExpertBook P5, it had this front of mind. Built-in security solutions include fingerprint authentication, TPM 2.0 encryption, SafeGuard Backup to ensure important data is kept safe, and Adaptive Lock, which detects your presence. These features combine to offer peace of mind in these trying times, helping safeguard personal and business data without slowing down workflow. Ultimately, this ensures that security is embedded into everyday operations rather than creating roadblocks.

4. Sustainability matters to today's workforce

Looking at consumer preferences and how these evolve is essential to engineering devices that meet the needs of users today and tomorrow. Data shows that employees are increasingly prioritising sustainability when choosing where to work. In fact, Monash University found that 46% of Australian shoppers consider sustainability an important factor in retail purchases. Now more than ever, users expect companies to take meaningful steps toward reducing their environmental footprint, including adopting more eco-conscious technology. Brands that don't keep up with these demands will diminish their ability to innovate in line with changing consumer preferences.

The ExpertBook P5 represents a major advancement in sustainable technology. We have significantly enhanced its circularity by 10% to reach 50%, utilising Circular Transition Indicators (CTI) for performance measurement. By incorporating recycled materials and a modular design, it directly addresses the pressing issue of e-waste.

5. AI-Powered assistance is gaining traction

The integration of features such as AI-powered noise cancellation for crystal-clear communication during virtual meetings is just one example of how AI technologies are becoming the norm in our work devices and also facilitating a smoother and more seamless work experience. 

This is something we have recognised with regard to how worker demands are evolving, which is why we designed the ExpertBook P5, our first Copilot+ PC for work. ASUS AI ExpertMeet is an on-device feature we are especially proud of; one that works to ensure greater productivity and collaboration than ever. It automates meeting minutes, translates subtitles, offers watermarks in conference calls and much more.

Additional tools such as AI-assisted power management and performance optimisation allow modern professionals to focus on tasks without worrying about lag or unnecessary downtime.

Ultimately, AI is certainly reshaping how workers operate - and most often it's for the better. AI is increasing productivity and with that, employees are looking for technology that enhances this efficiency - whether through smarter automation, noise cancellation during calls, or AI-enhanced performance tuning.

Future-Proofing workplaces with the right technology

As worker demands continue to evolve, businesses must be proactive in adopting technology that not only meets today's needs but also anticipates future challenges. The ASUS ExpertBook P5 is designed with this in mind, offering the durability, security, and performance required to empower a modern workforce.

At ASUS, we are committed to designing technology products that are both innovative and practical, ensuring we can meet the ever-evolving needs of ANZ and global workplaces.

Moreover, by investing in smart, adaptable technology, businesses can futureproof their operations, have an upper hand and ensure their teams remain productive, engaged, and secure - no matter how the future of work unfolds.

Businesses and professionals can purchase the ExpertBook P5 (P5405) via the ASUS Eshop and select retailers.