“Zoom’s Growth Exploded During the Pandemic, But Shift Back to Work Signals Need for Major Transformation”

Zoom, a video-communication platform, saw a surge during the pandemic as businesses, schools, and individuals utilized the platform to stay connected without spreading the virus. However, as companies begin to move back to the office, it has become crucial for Zoom to adapt from its traditional focus on virtual meetings to expand its offerings. According to Frederik Maris, Zoom’s EMEA chief, the company is undergoing a transformative phase to cater to the evolving work environment.

Despite its success during the pandemic, Zoom has succumbed to the pressure of returning to the office, ordering some workers to come back to the office at least two days a week. As a result, Zoom is looking to diversify its products and services to enable productivity and engagement, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence (AI). In September, the company launched an AI assistant that can help with various tasks such as drafting emails, summarizing meetings, and assisting with brainstorming sessions.

Zoom faces competition from industry giants like Microsoft, particularly in its employee engagement products. Earlier this year, Zoom executives claimed that its product, Workvivo, was outperforming Microsoft’s Viva in terms of sales. The company is also looking to differentiate itself from competitors by leveraging AI to help workers be more productive. Zoom’s transition to adapt to the new work environment demonstrates the shift in the business landscape and the company’s determination to remain competitive in the evolving industry.