When devices deliver, people do too: How workplace hardware is shaping employee experience

HR and IT leaders in Hong Kong are exploring how reliable, secure, and AI-ready devices can help employees work smarter.

This article is brought to you by ASUS.

Flexible working, increasingly distributed teams, and the emergence of AI are prompting organisations to rethink the role of technology in supporting both productivity and employee experience in the modern workplace.

At the recent Hong Kong launch of ASUS ExpertBook Ultra, over 300 HR leaders, IT decision-makers, and business professionals delved into conversations that moved beyond specifications to focus on a more fundamental question: How do everyday tools impact the way people work?

The answer often lies in the smaller, less visible moments of the workday. Device reliability, for instance, is not typically framed as an employee experience initiative, yet frequent disruptions – from system lag to hardware issues – can quietly erode productivity and engagement over time.

This becomes even more relevant in hybrid and mobile work environments, where employees are no longer tied to a single desk, and are expected to navigate virtual meetings, multitasking, and increasingly complex digital workflows across different settings and locations.

Security is another growing consideration, particularly as data protection, compliance, and cybersecurity continue to rise on the agenda for HR and business leaders alike.

In this context, workplace devices are increasingly viewed as enablers rather than just tools, and the newly introduced ASUS ExpertBook Ultra has been positioned as a response to these everyday people and productivity challenges.

Boasting features such as military-level durability, enterprise-grade security, flagship performance, integrated AI capabilities, long battery life, an ultra-lightweight 0.99kg design, and advanced audio-visual technologies, the device promises smoother and worry-free day-to-day operations. In practice, this helps employees stay focused, collaborate effectively, and work efficiently across environments – whether at home, in the office, or on the move – without compromise.

“When developing the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra, we focused on the evolving demands of hybrid, fast-paced, and highly digital work environments,” highlighted Phyllis Wong, Head of Account Management & Marketing, ASUS (HK).

“Professionals expect seamless mobility without compromising performance, while AI-driven workflows are becoming essential to productivity. At the same time, reliable collaboration, strong security, simplified IT management, as well as employee wellbeing remain critical. Ultimately, the goal was to create a device that enables employees to work efficiently, securely, and comfortably across different environments.”

While devices may not always be the starting point of employee experience strategies, our conversations with HR leaders who attended the launch event affirm that they play an enabling role that directly shapes day-to-day work.

“From an HR perspective, devices shape employee experience by enabling seamless access to tools, reducing friction in onboarding, and protecting productivity through reliable day-to-day performance,” said Kelvin Yu, Controller (HR, IT and Admin), Yan Oi Tong.

“The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra’s impressive durability stood out. Not easily damaged, it can lower downtime and replacement disruption, supporting smoother people management, consistent workflows, and employee confidence.”

Tiffany Yan, Vice President, Human Resources, Bank Consortium Trust Company Limited (BCTC), echoed: “Devices play a pivotal role in enhancing employee experience by enabling productivity, collaboration, and flexibility.

“The event effectively showcased how technology can support human-machine partnerships. I was particularly impressed by the immersive, experience-driven setup and the emphasis on leadership and organisational culture and values, offering valuable insights from a people management perspective.”

ASUS’ Wong added: “The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra is designed to elevate the employee experience by enabling individuals to work smarter, more fluidly, and with fewer limitations. A high-quality display, efficient thermals, and durable construction support longer, more comfortable use, while reinforcing confidence in device longevity.

“Knowing that their device is secure, reliable, and supported allows employees to focus fully on their responsibilities, contributing to more engaging and fulfilling work.”

As organisations continue to refine people and workplace strategies, the conversation is shifting from whether technology supports work to how well it does so. For HR, this underscores a growing opportunity to work more closely with IT to shape tools that not only drive performance, but also enable a more consistent, flexible, and employee-centric experience.

Visit ASUS’ website to learn more about ASUS ExpertBook Ultra’s range of features, and how the products can support the future of working in your organisation.

Photos / ASUS ExpertBook Ultra Hong Kong launch event