Workplace Trends for 2025

Article

Both workers and managers are facing unique challenges in 2025. From AI shaking up skills employers seek to the push and pull of remote work — plus shifting economic pressures — organizations and professionals have to navigate a complex environment this year.

Here’s a look at key trends, based on surveys by Robert Half, that are impacting the workplace and will continue to take shape throughout the year:

Companies are hiring to accommodate growth

Company growth is driving hiring needs for more than half of managers, and employers need skilled talent in place to support strategic business priorities. And with 63% of managers saying they’re planning to recruit for new permanent positions, there’s potential for a lot of movement in the hiring market.

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Use of AI is changing how come work gets done and is also affecting who’s being recruited. 54% of team leaders said they’ve shifted their hiring focus to different skills due to advancements in AI and automation. Companies are using AI across the entire business to improve and accelerate process like data analysis, financial reporting, digitization, concepting, content creation and budgeting.

Professionals are needed who can use AI effectively — not only to perform these tasks but to oversee AI’s output to ensure accuracy make adjustments where required.

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New initiatives can quickly grow complicated and send already overworked teams toward burnout as major projects ramp up. Our data shows that 63% of managers also anticipate using more contract talent in 2025 to help stave off such potential issues and keep projects moving.

Job seekers continue to favor remote and hybrid work arrangements, with 75% saying they’re least interested in fully in-office positions. While many employers (92%) say they offer some kind of remote option, 66% are increasing salaries for new hires to work in the office. Of those, 59% are boosting pay up to 20% for 4-5 days of on-site work per week.

Not having people with needed skills on their teams is keeping managers up at night, with 72% saying they’re concerned about addressing skills gaps. The most common strategies they’re using to bridge the gaps are upskilling (52%) and reskilling (47%) current staff, paying for employees to obtain professional certifications (45%), and bringing in more contract professionals (40%).

How to Upskill, Reskill and Hire More Effectively

Workplace trends around skills gaps, AI and flexibility look to continue. The size of budgets and use of contract talent may depend on various factors in the economy and employment market, but one thing is clear: The hiring and business environment will continue to be complex and unpredictable.

For workers and employers, it’s important to stay attuned to changing conditions and how emerging trends could impact your career or business.

Learn how Robert Half can help you this year, whether you are looking to hire or searching for a job.

You can also find more workplace data from Robert Half in our 2025 Salary Guide and our latest Demand for Skilled Talent report.

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