Turning challenges into opportunities in 2025

The end of the year often brings moments of reflection. Looking back on 2024, there will be things you’re proud of and things you'd like to do again, both in your personal and professional life. As with last year, there’s little doubt that 2025 will have challenges in store, so how do you plan on being better this time around??

This time of year is also when some of us dust off the magic 8 ball and make predictions for the forthcoming 12 months. For that reason, in the final edition of The Talent Blueprint of 2024, we’ll be looking at some of the challenges you need to prepare for in 2025, whether you’re leading an organisation or looking to progress your career.?

By understanding how best to tackle these, you can turn them into opportunities for growth.?

It’s impossible to look to a new year at work and not be confronted by technological advancement. Since 2022, Generative AI has been at the forefront of conversations about how the workplace will evolve. Though only some of the predicted use cases in that time have come to pass, wider adoption will leave many readers unprepared. If you haven’t made strides already, it’ll be easy to get left behind.?

Developing the right skills, either as an individual or an organisation, will be crucial in 2025. Our Workforce of the Future report found that AI skills are being integrated into existing roles, rather than creating new ones... for now. Without doubt, AI-specific roles will emerge but, for the moment, leaders will need to ensure AI upskilling and training is in place for those impacted by the technology. This training is imperative for everyone, regardless of generation or location.?

This is no mean feat and, with 83% of CEOs forecasting a full-time return to office in the next three years, AI and upskilling are only some of the challenges the new year is likely to bring.?

Future focus: preparing your organisation?

Like it or not, the reality is many of us are ill-prepared for the challenges ahead. Whether it’s the implementation of AI, preparing our leadership teams for an ever-changing world of work, or finding the sweet spot with flexibility, very few of us are getting these 100% right.?

As Nigel Kirkham , CEO, Enterprise Solutions at Hays said: “Every year, countless publications release their predictions on how the world of work will change over the next 12 months. Most will focus on Generative AI, growing ESG agendas, the rise of contract workers – but how many will reflect on the years that have fallen short of expectations??

“There’s no hiding from the truth. Two in five workers believe the world of work is fundamentally broken.”?

That should be alarming.

On top of this, the technology we thought might make our working lives easier is now drawing considerable sceptics. Only 19% of 2,000 US graduates believe AI will create jobs, while 70% believe strict regulation around Gen AI is needed.?

James Milligan , Global Head of Technology and Engineering at Hays, commented: “There are multiple, ever-evolving factors that an organisation needs to consider when implementing AI. But one thing you can’t forget is your people.?

“You need to ensure you’re bringing everyone on this journey, leading a visible and vocal change management process so that everyone understands why you’re doing this, how it will impact them, and the data informing your decisions.”?

This involves empowering your leadership with the right knowledge and training, too. As James Hutt at tech consultancy Paradigm Junction points out: “Technology is evolving much faster than the rate at which people become senior in an organisation. This means that executive teams are being asked to make decisions about ways of working, operating models and technology stacks with which they’re unfamiliar.”?

Away from AI and decision-making, those at management level must now be confident in leading increasingly diverse teams. Today’s workforce comprises talent across generations and locations, whose viewpoints on social and political issues can often be at loggerheads.?

Leaders must also be able to identify the right talent to fill skills gaps within the department. We’ve often looked to the temporary worker market to assist with this and, whilst a contingent workforce can be an effective solution, many organisations are failing to bring in talent in a coherent and meaningful way. From organisational structure to differing legislation between countries, overcoming challenges will be vital to sustained success.

For a more detailed exploration of what 2025’s trends mean for businesses, and expert insights on tackling challenges head-on, read the full blog here.?

Career corner: staying employable in 2025?

For people seeking to advance in their career in 2025, Hays will be running a LinkedIn live event on Thursday 16th January. Hosted by Julia Cames , CMO at Hays, and Travis O'Rourke , CCO of Hays Americas, the guests will be diving deeper into these trends, with a focus on how you can prepare yourself and stay ahead of the curve. Register here.?

Whilst AI will likely lead to some workplace responsibilities being replaced, the focus needs to be on two areas: developing skills with AI tools and retraining in new areas. Regardless of how your role might be impacted, it’s imperative that you get to grips with using Generative AI so that you’re not left behind. Copilot and ChatGPT are no longer novelties – they're crucial enablers for success.?

Meanwhile, skilled professionals with experience under their belts will continue to find opportunities as contingent workers in 2025. As discussed above, businesses are leaning on contractors to fill skills gaps in today’s world of work – is your knowledge in demand??

In August’s edition of The Talent Blueprint, we looked at the misconception that contracting work is unstable. Although it naturally offers less security than permanent employment, the benefits, such as greater flexibility and potential for exposure to different resources, mitigate these. As Julia noted: “These advantages will only improve as organisations further incorporate contractors into workforce planning, as well as emerging technologies and changing legislation in some parts.”?

For people who prefer remote or hybrid working and are concerned by the above statistic regarding CEOs’ predictions on a return to the office, this career path makes more sense.?

Could this be right for you? Here’s how to get started. For further insights into life as a contractor, see our new video series, Contractor Hacks.?

To discover more on what 2025’s workplace trends mean for your career, read Julia Cames’ blog here.?

Wishing you a healthy and successful 2025?

Everyone at Hays wants to take this moment to wish you all the best for 2025. Whether you’re a jobseeker looking for your next chapter or you’re a leader guiding your organisation into a new year, we hope 2025 is a success for you.?

We recently surpassed 8 million followers on LinkedIn and 1.6 million subscribers to this newsletter. We’re thankful for everyone who engaged with us in 2024, and we look forward to interacting with the community again in the new year. ?