5 Workplace Trends to Watch in 2025

A new year means new opportunities and potential for growth, but it also means new challenges. The workplace and market change every year, and 2025 is no different. Getting ahead of workplace trends in 2025 can make or break success in the new year.

Some of these changes are small, some large, and some mirror current workplace trends. However, they are all important indicators of what 2025 will look like and can help businesses navigate success in the new year.

Today, we’d like to take a look at 5 key workplace trends to watch in 2025. Keep reading to find out what’s poised to change this year and how you can use these trends to catapult your business to success.

5 Workplace Predictions for 2025

Before we provide our workplace predictions for 2025, it’s important to note that these aren’t the only trends of the new year. Countless things will change this year like every other year, and these five trends are just a few of the most important ones.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at 2025 workplace trends and see what the future holds for employees, employers, and business as a whole.

1. AI: Adoption and Struggles

AI has been a prominent topic of discussion ever since ChatGPT became available in 2022. Since then, it’s been adopted by businesses for a variety of purposes ranging from HR and document drafting to analysis and decision-making.

In 2025, AI will likely continue to become more and more common in businesses. This is set to be one of the biggest HR trends for 2025 in particular, as AI is already being used for automating repetitive tasks, writing job descriptions, and more.

However, many questions remain about AI. According to a Gallup report, AI use by employees has stalled. One in three employees report that their organization is adopting AI technology to enhance business operations.

Are managers and leaders more excited about the idea of AI than it’s actually worth? Or are they just failing to communicate their vision/use case and provide instruction?

Whatever the future holds for AI, 2025 will be a very revealing year. Businesses should pay close attention to AI and its potential, and figure out its place in their workplace.

2. Engagement and Satisfaction

Employee engagement hit an 11-year low in 2024, which is not a good sign. Gallup has been calling this trend “the Great Detachment," and it appears like it’s going to be one of the defining workplace trends in the new year.

Employees aren’t engaged or satisfied with their work. While that might be an easy stat to shrug off, low engagement and satisfaction impact important team factors such as retention, productivity, and teamwork.

Businesses need to address this if they want to achieve their goals and be as productive as possible. Finding ways to engage disengaged employees will be more important than ever going into 2025.

3. The Small Business Advantage

Big businesses often have many advantages over small businesses, but it seems like the script will be flipped in 2025 as small businesses are in a better position to offer employees what they want—work-life balance, flexibility, and a personalized employee experience.

Employees are increasingly emphasizing things like work-life balance, and small businesses often have the ability to be more flexible in meeting employees’ needs. Coupled with the fact more people leave big businesses for small ones, they seem to have a leg up.

This means that meeting employees’ needs and finding ways to boost retention will be key to navigating workplace trends in 2025, especially for bigger businesses.

For businesses looking to compete, the key will be not just offering attractive perks, but genuinely creating an environment where employees feel valued and heard. By meeting these needs, small businesses can foster loyalty and reduce turnover, making them stronger competitors in the talent market.

4. Employee First Approach

Tying into the last trend, 2025 will likely see many businesses adopting the employee-first approach so they can better meet employee demands—boosting retention, productivity, and more in the process.

An employee-first approach means figuring out what employees value most. Work-life balance, fair compensation, benefits packages, personalized employee experiences, and flexibility are some of the key focuses of employees in 2025.

Businesses that want to attract and retain top talent will need to put their employees first in 2025. Managers and leaders need to listen to employees, understand their needs, and do their best to meet those needs.

5. Balancing In-Person, Hybrid, and Remote Work

Our final workplace trend of 2025 is hybrid and remote work. Hybrid and remote work have continued to be popular with employees since they became common in 2020. While many businesses want employees back in the office, many employees don’t want to go back.

Finding a balance between in-person, hybrid, and remote work is one of the most important 2025 HR trends. Businesses need to find a way to meet their need for in-person work while accommodating employees’ desire to work from home.

Businesses that don’t offer remote or hybrid options risk losing top talent to businesses that do. Though it may be a challenge, businesses that want to excel in 2025 can’t force employees back to the office and will have to find a compromise that works for everyone.

Finding a balance between in-person, hybrid, and remote work will be a key focus in 2025. Businesses that embrace flexibility and open communication can foster a dynamic work environment where employees thrive, leading to greater collaboration and success.

Empower Your Team for Success in 2025

Workplace trends like AI integration, employee engagement challenges, and hybrid work dynamics are shaping 2025. The good news? You don’t have to navigate them alone.

Our team building programs are designed to enhance communication, boost morale, and create stronger connections—helping your team thrive in the face of change. Ready to make 2025 your team’s best year yet? Reach out today and let’s build success together!

This carefully curated collection brings you an extensive list of engaging and diverse #teambuilding activities for your team to explore. Whether you prefer in-person experiences, virtual adventures, charitable endeavors, or culinary delights, we have an array of exceptional events and activities that will captivate and inspire your team. Read the full article here.

Listen to our Podcast Team Building Saves the World, with host Rich Rininsland to hear valuable tips, tricks, and ideas from #thoughtleaders across the globe. Get ready—Season 6 is coming your way in 2025.

This newsletter is by TeamBonding, the leader in corporate team building events for 25+ years. Planning the perfect team building event, and the roughly 37 million details that go into it, has never been easier (or more fun). From in-person events to online team activities, company culture resources, and thought leadership, TeamBonding has the experience and expertise to make your next event a hassle-free hit.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs and events are more popular than ever. Your team can collect and donate food. Build a home. Run or golf for a charity. We have lots of options. And in these CSR events, everyone wins. View our Charitable & CSR team building programs here.

View our most popular team building activities here.

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