November 2024

As the year winds down, the workplace is transforming for the new year. New opportunities are presented as companies continue to implement the latest tech and shift in employee demands. So, we are excited to share our latest round of insights as you get ready for the end of the year.

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This month we discuss 2025 salary trends and how this information can be beneficial for both workers and employers. We discover why retirees are returning to the workplace. And explore top workplace trends and how you can adapt.

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Scroll down to gain actionable tips and strategies to stay ahead!

Unretirement Boom: What’s Driving Retirees Back to the Office

The new trend of “unretirement” has been on the rise, where retirees return to work after a period of retirement. As of March 2022, about 1.5 million retirees reentered the workforce. Though retirement was once seen as the ending phase of a career, many retirees are changing the definition by making a comeback to the workforce. ?

Reasons For Unretiring

Common reasons driving the unretirement trend are financial motivations and social purposes. For many retired folks, rising living costs and increasing healthcare expenses put a strain on finances. Additionally, many retirees below the Medicare age limit face immense healthcare costs and Social Security advances are not enough to cover all expenses.

In addition to financial concerns, many retirees come back simply to enjoy the benefit of working and social interactions. After retirement, they may feel a lack of purpose and are unable to adjust to retirement life. Unretiring provides the opportunity for retirees to return to full or part-time working to fulfill their desires.?

Company Reactions

As the unretirement trend spikes, companies are developing processes to include former retirees that harness their skills and experiences. A popular option for many companies is to hire people as part-time workers or focus the scope of their work via mentorship. In fact, 79% of returning employees prefer to work part-time rather than immediately committing to full-time. This way, the retirees can have a smooth transition back into the workforce while also teaching the younger employees.

Companies are also creating programs to allow retirees to contribute to certain projects or departments through a more flexible and open plan. This arrangement allows for corporations to benefit from gaining more experienced help and for workers to choose where and how they can contribute.?

The unretirement trend is beneficial for experienced workers to bring back their skills to a company and maintain their social, mental, and financial stimulation. Currently, about 13% of retirees are planning to return to work next year. As the workforce continues to change, the unretirement trend is a great way to reshape traditional ideals and drive innovation in businesses.

Navigating Political Conversations in the Workplace

With today’s polarized political climate, conversations around politics are making their way into the workplace more than ever, and for many employees, this shift has become a source of discomfort and stress. A recent survey by résumé service provider Zety found that 75% of respondents are considering new employment due to the political environment at their current workplace. The findings highlight a growing need for companies to thoughtfully navigate these discussions to maintain a respectful and inclusive workplace culture.

Zety’s survey, conducted with 1,102 American participants on July 30, revealed that while 99% of respondents engage in political conversations at work, 60% of them support banning these discussions altogether. Many feel caught between expressing themselves and maintaining workplace harmony, with 66% admitting they have lied about their political views to avoid potential conflict or judgment.

According to Jasmine Escalera, career expert at Zety, “In today’s polarized political climate, it’s no surprise that political discussions have become a common — and often uncomfortable — part of the workplace culture. While many employees feel compelled to participate in political discussions at work, these conversations frequently lead to tension, fear of judgment, and pressure to hide political views.”

Younger workers and entry-level employees were among the most supportive of banning political talk, with 80% of employees aged 25 or younger and 80% of entry-level employees favoring restrictions. By contrast, 56% of employees aged 26 and older and 44% of senior-level managers favored a ban. Differences also emerged across political affiliations, with 65% of Democratic respondents and 57% of Republican respondents supporting restrictions on political talk.

The survey identified the most frequently discussed political topics at work, including gender equality (44%), racial equality (43%), labor rights (39%), police issues (39%), and other sensitive issues like immigration, gun control, LGBTQ+ rights, and abortion.

Additionally, with the U.S. presidential election on the horizon, respondents were asked which political group was more likely to engage in heated debate at work. Just over half (54%) thought Democrats were more likely to engage in intense discussions, while 36% felt Republicans were more inclined, and 9% said both parties were equally likely.

“This divisive political chatter can easily alienate colleagues and disrupt team dynamics,” Escalera added. “Companies need to recognize the fine line between freedom of expression and maintaining a respectful workplace culture and take a clear stance on managing these kinds of discussions.”

For organizations looking to create an inclusive environment, recognizing the impact of political conversations and setting guidelines around them may be essential to support workplace well-being and productivity.?

Overcoming Workplace Changes

Change is always to be expected in the workplace. But with new technology and trends emerging, workers find it difficult to keep up. In a recent report, LinkedIn found that 64% feel overwhelmed by rapid workplace changes and 49% of workers are worried about being left behind. As a result, 68% are seeking support more than ever before.

Emerging Workplace Trends

These are the top changes workers have noted:

? 30% said proving they can work from home successfully

? 27% stated integrating AI into their daily work

? 25% claimed managing multigenerational teams

As companies continue to develop return-to-office (RTO) strategies, this remains a key topic, which is evident in an increase of 123% posts mentioning flexible work over the last two years as RTOs are announced.

Upskilling is Equal Value to Experience

While experience is valuable, 56% of workers believe more is needed to navigate the changing landscape. To keep up with changes, 36% believe that continuous learning is essential for career advancement. Even more so, 46% of professionals said they need more guidance on which skills are needed.

Despite these challenges, only 37% of workers feel supported by their managers during these transitions. Additionally, 51% believe their company’s leadership is helping them upskill.

Tips to AdaptStay Aware of Trends

With constant workplace changes, it’s important to stay up to date with the latest trends and insights. This will enable you to understand how the latest developments will impact your work and what your job will look like in the future. More importantly, staying current can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and more in control.

Open to New Opportunities

Change is hard and can be nerve wrecking so try to keep an open mind and be flexible to new opportunities. When you adopt a growth mindset, you can identify new skills to develop or processes that will help you overcome change easier. This is a great way for you to become more efficient and discover new career opportunities.

Quick Videos Give an Advantage

Find easy ways to learn new skills and knowledge so continuous learning feels natural. In the LinkedIn report, 45% of workers found short form videos the most helpful and engaging when looking for information. If you’re able to take a full online course, this is a convenient option as you can fit it around your schedule and increase your knowledge.

Salary Insights for 2025

Whether you are hiring or seeking new opportunities, staying aware of salary and hiring trends will prepare you for what’s ahead. In Robert Half’s 2025 Salary Guide, they advise on starting salaries, share employment trends by certain professions, examine national trends, and give the latest on benefits and perks. This data is meant to guide companies on offering competitive packages that attract talent and to help workers navigate salary discussions.

Here are four key findings from the guide:

? In-office Premiums | For jobs that can be done remotely, 66% of managers are willing to increase starting salaries for new hires to work in office.?Of those, 59% are offering workers up to 20% more pay to come in 4 to 5 days a week.

? AI is Changing Skill Requirements | 54% of hiring managers say advancements in AI and automation are influencing needed skill sets. Additionally, 37% are bringing in contract workers to support AI-related projects.

? Comprehensive Compensation Packages | 48% of managers state meeting candidates’ salary expectations is one the biggest hiring challenges. But they also found that by providing and promoting benefits and perks that support employee well-being, work-life balance, and career advancement can make an offer more appealing.

? Skills Gap | Retirements are a top concern for managers, and many are strategizing policies to bridge the resulting skills gaps between retirees and newer workers. 45% are investing in training and upskilling their current workforce, and another 41% are leveraging the expertise of retirees by hiring them as part-time consultants.

Be sure to explore the full salary guide to learn about additional findings. This is a valuable tool for companies and workers alike because it offers key insights into salary trends, job market demands, and evolving roles across industries. With this understanding, it helps everyone make informed decisions about career development and recruitment strategies in an increasingly competitive landscape.

PDS Gives Back: Supporting Hurricane Relief Efforts This Holiday Season

At PDS, the holiday season is a time to reflect on our shared values and give back to the communities that support us year-round. For years, we have proudly donated to charities across the United States, providing resources to those in need during this special season. This year, our efforts hold particular significance as we focus our contributions on hurricane relief, supporting communities that have been impacted by the recent devastating storms Helene and Milton.

Hurricanes Helen and Milton have left many communities across the nation struggling with loss, displacement, and immense rebuilding efforts. By directing our holiday giving towards hurricane relief this year, PDS aims to provide essential aid where it’s needed most. These donations will go toward essential supplies, medical assistance, and long-term recovery projects, helping affected areas restore hope and stability as they rebuild.

If you’re interested in contributing to this cause, we encourage you to find an organization that resonates with you and makes a direct impact on hurricane relief. To assist in your search, Charity Navigator is a helpful resource that allows you to explore reputable charities and choose one that aligns with your values. Together, we can make a meaningful difference this season.

Thank you for being part of the PDS family and for joining us in spreading generosity and support during this season of giving.

A Season of Gratitude: Honoring Our People and Partnerships

As we enter this season of reflection, we want to take a moment to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people who make our work possible—our employees, consultants, and clients. Each of you plays a crucial role in helping us soar to new heights.

To our dedicated employees: Your passion, expertise, and commitment are the backbone of our success. Every day, your hard work and innovation drive us forward, tackling complex challenges and creating cutting-edge solutions. You go above and beyond in your roles, and we are endlessly thankful for your dedication and resilience. It is because of you that we are able to navigate such a dynamic industry with confidence.

To our valued consultants: Thank you for lending us your knowledge, guidance, and insights. Your specialized skills have proven essential in delivering the excellence we strive for in all our projects. We are fortunate to have a network of experts like you who bring fresh perspectives and help us exceed industry standards.

To our trusted clients: Working with you is truly a privilege. Your trust in us fuels our drive to provide top-tier solutions and continues to inspire us to reach higher. Your support has allowed us to grow, evolve, and succeed in ways we could not have imagined, and for that, we are immensely grateful.

At PDS, we know that our accomplishments would not be possible without the collective effort of every individual and organization involved. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, we will continue to innovate, inspire, and lead within the aerospace, IT, and engineering sectors.

Wishing you all a season filled with gratitude and joy!

If you want to learn more about how we can fill the gaps in your organization, contact us today!