Zoho Enters Qatar: Highlights Productivity and Collaboration Trends

Zoho, a global leader in technology, has announced the launch of its first office in Doha, Qatar, following substantial growth in the region. In 2023, the company experienced a 29% increase in revenue and a 50% expansion of its channel partner network. These developments were highlighted during a press conference at Zoholics Qatar 2024, where Zoho also unveiled findings from a recent survey that examined productivity and collaboration trends among businesses in Qatar.

Strategic Growth and Localisation Efforts

Zoho’s expansion in Qatar highlights the rising demand for its cloud-based business applications. The company’s success has been attributed to its focus on delivering innovative and localised solutions to meet the needs of Qatari businesses. In response, Zoho has opened its first office in Doha, hired local talent, and enhanced its network of local IT service providers and resellers. These steps allow Zoho to offer tailored services, foster stronger customer relationships, and introduce new features specifically designed for businesses in Qatar. Some of the most popular Zoho products in the country include Zoho One, Zoho Books, Zoho People, Zoho Creator, and Zoho Expense, with revenue through channel partners growing by 27.5% in 2023.

"We're thrilled to witness our company's continued growth in Qatar, a market that has consistently demonstrated a strong appetite for innovative technological solutions. The vibrant business environment and forward-thinking approach of the local ecosystem have created a fertile ground for our expansion. As Qatar continues to embrace digital transformation, we remain committed to providing cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of businesses and contribute to the nation's economic prosperity,” said Hyther Nizam, President Middle East and Africa (MEA).

Insights into Productivity and Collaboration in Qatar

During the press event, Zoho revealed key findings from its recent survey, which explored the challenges and opportunities surrounding workplace collaboration. The survey included responses from 3301 employees across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), with 396 participants based in Qatar. It provided valuable insights into the state of collaboration and technology usage in various work environments.

Work Arrangement Trends Post-Pandemic

One of the study's primary findings was the shift in workplace models following the pandemic. Despite a global trend towards hybrid and remote work, the survey showed that most businesses in Qatar have reverted to office-based operations. Around 60% of respondents reported working fully on-site, 32% adopted a hybrid model, and only 8% remained fully remote.

Digital Tools and Task Management

The study also revealed heavy reliance on digital tools. Most respondents (51%) used 1-5 apps daily, while 31% used 5-10, and 18% relied on more than 10 apps. The ability to manage tasks from a unified dashboard emerged as critical, with 76% of users reporting time savings of up to 3 hours. However, a significant 77% of those manually tracking tasks or not tracking at all believed they could save similar amounts of time with a unified view.

Challenges in Information Access

Access to information proved to be another challenge, with 25% of participants indicating they had limited or no access to necessary data, and over 24% required occasional help. Despite these obstacles, many employees expressed confidence in their company's resilience and showed an eagerness for improved collaboration practices.

Technology Adoption and Gaps

The study underscored the importance of adopting the right technology and collaboration tools. While most respondents recognised the benefits of easy access to information and AI-powered automation, there was a notable lag in implementation. A significant 72% of businesses had not introduced new technology in the past two years, missing out on potential competitive advantages from AI and streamlined processes.

Disparities in Communication and Collaboration Needs

The survey also revealed a difference in communication and collaboration needs based on work arrangements. Only 8% of remote workers saw areas for improvement, while 32% of hybrid workers and 60% of fully on-site workers expressed a desire for better tools. Interestingly, remote workers were more likely to adopt new technology and use a broader range of apps, but they also faced unique challenges in accessing critical information. On-site and hybrid workers, meanwhile, called for better communication and collaboration solutions to enhance productivity.

"Our enterprise collaboration platform, Zoho Workplace, pioneered the unified experience way back in 2017. Our vision has been validated with the survey results that have highlighted the lack of access to necessary data, challenges in tracking tasks, and difficulties in communication within the organisation. Moreover, as we build apps for various business functions and understand how they interoperate, we have created a communication layer across our offerings to foster contextual collaboration," said Nizam.