Future of Work: Key Workplace Trends For 2025

What does the future of work hold as we step into the new year and beyond? In this article, we take a brief look at the key employee experience trends in 2024.
 

Hybrid Model Isn’t Going Anywhere

Hybrid working spaces are here to stay. According to Gartner research, people who work remotely will form around 32% of the workforce by 2024. Additionally, Gen Z, the latest group to enter the workforce, is clear about their needs. According to a study by Mazars, as much as 73% of them want the flexibility to organise their working hours as they like.

While employees prefer remote work, employers desire a return to the office. In this tug-of-war between employees and employers, HR managers must establish a middle path to keep both parties happy. As a result, hybrid work models will continue to evolve, with companies refining policies and technology to optimise the balance between remote and in-office work.
 

Advancement in AI

Continued advancements in AI will disrupt workplaces as machines become more intelligent and can take over tasks performed by employees. Job redesign and reskilling are key for organisations to help their employees remain relevant in the workplace.

The primary focus for organisations should be on balancing their need for efficiency and business success with employee well-being. While AI enables employees and many organisations to scale and thrive, the chief concern among the workforce is their roles being replaced or their experience being controlled.
 

Mentorship Program for Skill Development

As of today, mentoring is top priority for organisations. Gone are the times when employees were hired based on their educational background. Now, employers are looking for a workforce that can multi-task and is also willing to try their hands in new roles and responsibilities.

To ensure the talent pool is well utilised, companies will have to invest in mentoring and coaching programs. These initiatives should focus on supporting career development and skill-building, enhancing employee engagement by providing guidance and support. The added advantage of mentorship programs is that they foster a sense of community and support among employees, leading to higher job satisfaction and reduced turnover rates.
 

Shift towards Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Organisations will increasingly prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to achieve high employee engagement because employees prefer diverse and inclusive workplaces.

HR managers are already working towards creating a safe work environment where every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered, leading to a sense of belonging and purpose. This inclusive culture results in innovation, encourages collaboration, and harnesses the unique strengths of each individual.
 

Invest More in Upskilling and Reskilling Employees

With the increased use of automation and AI, the generic skill set required for different jobs is changing quickly. That is why companies need to start investing in reskilling and upskilling programs to prepare employees for the future and ensure long-term engagement. Continuous learning and upskilling will be integral to retaining and engaging employees as they seek opportunities for growth.

Organisations need to implement Learning Management Systems (LMS) and other tools to deliver and track training efficiently, and also use AI-driven platforms for personalised learning experiences.

It is time companies focus on creating a culture of continuous learning where employees are encouraged to learn new skills and apply their learnings in different job roles. Companies should also work towards their reward mechanism and recognise employees for their efforts to curb attrition.

The bottom line is there is no one-size-fits-all approach to work anymore. Employers need to be more nuanced and flexible – in all senses of the word – to how employees work best. There is a need for constant innovations to keep employees engaged while ensuring work-life balance to keep the employees motivated.