Just as 2020 marked the year the world began to work remotely from the safety and comfort of their homes, 2025 marks the year everyone transitions back to in-person operations. This decision, championed by e-commerce giant Amazon in January, 2025 sent shockwaves across industries and prompted other conglomerates to follow suit. 

Employees, on the other hand, retaliated proactively to the return to office mandate by accepting pay cuts as high as 20% in exchange for continuing to work remotely. Amidst this global paradigm shift in the workplace, an experimental alternative emerged to the forefront. 

Asynchronous work models, which allow employees to work independently of fixed schedules, are gradually gaining traction globally. While the concept has long been popular in digital-first industries, the Middle East, traditionally known for its emphasis on face-to-face communication and hierarchical structures, has been slower to embrace this shift. 

However, as global companies expand into the region and as businesses recognize the benefits of flexibility, asynchronous work is starting to make its mark.

How the Region Experiments with Asynchronous Work

Shefa Ahmed, Head of Talent Management at Konsalidon, observes that the rise of asynchronous work models is a response to the region’s diverse workforce, especially in cities like Dubai. “When you want the best talent, you have to offer the best practices in return, and flexibility is the name of the game,” she says. “Whether it’s collaboration across time zones or adjusting to diverse workflows, asynchronous work is no longer just a trend—it’s the new normal!”

However, as Vlada Lomova, PR Lead at PRHub, points out, the region’s cultural norms still prioritize in-person interactions for building trust and maintaining relationships. “The Middle East has experienced a gradual shift towards asynchronous work models, driven by the need for flexibility and efficiency,” she explains. “However, face-to-face communication remains deeply rooted in the region’s business culture.”

Stan Klyuy, CCO at Tumodo, adds to this by emphasizing that while asynchronous work is not yet widely popular in the Middle East, it is gaining momentum, especially among startups and digital-first companies. “There’s definitely potential for disruption, particularly in industries that rely on digital tools and international teams,” he says. “Startups and young companies like Tumodo are trying to change things in the region. We ask our employees to get the work done, and it doesn’t stick to the traditional business hours.”

Asynchronous Work in the Tech and Travel Industries

For tech-driven companies like Tumodo, which operates in the travel and tourism sector, asynchronous work is not just a luxury but a necessity. “The travel industry runs 24/7, and customers come from all over the world, so flexibility is key,” says Klyuy. “At Tumodo, we already have teams spread across different regions and time zones, so async work isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential. It allows us to keep things moving constantly without forcing everyone into the same rigid schedule.”

He highlights that asynchronous work promotes “deep work, fewer distractions, and a more results-oriented approach,” which is crucial for a global company operating across multiple markets. Additionally, it enables Tumodo to attract global talent and ensure better coverage in different time zones.

Ahmed shares a similar sentiment about the benefits of asynchronous work in consulting, noting that it has become a central part of her team’s workflow. “We rarely jump on calls unless there’s a genuine doubt or question, which keeps the workflow smooth and productive,” she says. “We’ve found that this model can thrive even in office-centric cultures as long as there’s a balance of autonomy and collaboration.”

Employers’ Perspectives on Asynchronous Work

While many Middle Eastern companies still prioritize in-person work, there is a growing curiosity around asynchronous models. Employers are recognizing the potential benefits—improved work-life balance, increased productivity, and access to a broader talent pool—yet they remain cautious about its impact on teamwork and collaboration.

Klyuy stresses that several organizations are concerned about how asynchronous work could disrupt decision-making. “As we can see, many companies worry that asynchronous work slows down decision-making and weakens teamwork,” he says. “In the travel and tourism sector, real-time customer service is critical, so there’s concern that asynchronous work might lead to delays. However, with the right systems, companies can maintain efficiency while offering flexibility.”

Lomova echoes this concern, acknowledging that while asynchronous work can increase productivity, it must be seen as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, face-to-face interactions. “Employers in the Middle East are increasingly interested in asynchronous work models, seeing benefits such as increased flexibility and efficiency. However, they also acknowledge potential drawbacks, including challenges maintaining team cohesion and ensuring effective communication,” she explains.

When Flexibility Meets In-Person Interaction

Despite the challenges, many companies are exploring a hybrid approach—balancing the flexibility of asynchronous work with the need for in-person interaction. Stan believes that businesses that manage this balance will likely see the best results. “At Tumodo, we think that companies that balance flexibility with in-person interaction are likely to see the best results,” he says. “However, many companies still associate productivity with physical presence and believe collaboration happens best in person.”

For Ahmed, maintaining team connection is key to the success of asynchronous work. “We still ensure a monthly catch-up to foster team connection and maintain high employee engagement,” she shares. “It’s the perfect balance of autonomy and collaboration, proving that asynchronous work can thrive even in office-centric cultures.”

Asynchronous work in the Middle East remains a nascent development at the verge of its regional verdict. But the demand for greater flexibility at work is becoming louder, with industries like consulting, tech, and startups leading the transition.

While traditional in-person work arrangements continue to dominate in many sectors, there is growing recognition that asynchronous work can provide significant benefits—enhancing productivity, improving work-life balance, and enabling companies to attract global talent.

As Ahmed aptly puts it, “Asynchronous work is no longer just a trend—it’s the new normal!” However, the key to success will be finding the right balance between asynchronous flexibility and the personal connections that are crucial in the Middle East’s unique business culture.