Future of work

Global Talent Trends 2024-2025

Workforce 2.0: Unlocking human potential in a machine-augmented world

As we navigate through 2025, the world of work continues to be in full metamorphosis, driven by rapid technological advancements and an increasing focus on risk. Societal dynamics are reshaping work structures, and organizations are adapting to a landscape where technology and AI are not just tools but integral components of the workforce.

Our trends came to life in 2024 through insights gathered from more than 12,200 voices of business executives, HR leaders, employees, and investors.

What’s top of mind in 2025?

Our updated 2024-2025 Global Talent Trends study draws on further insights from an additional Pulse survey of 1,800 HR leaders across 24 key markets and 17 industries. Their perspectives have reaffirmed that the four key trends shaping the People agenda in 2025 remain as relevant today as they were last year. We are excited to share the findings and explore how these trends continue to influence the future of work. Read on more to see how organizations are progressing towards the trends shaping the People agenda:

Drive human-centric productivity

Solve the productivity equation with AI, assessment and work design

Anchor to trust & equity

Foster a climate of trust through fair pay and inclusion

Boost the corporate immune system

Build resilient cultures with teams that are risk aware and healthy at the core

Cultivate a digital-first culture

Design an adaptive, digitally fluent organization where people can thrive

HR is tasked with cultivating continued innovation while maintaining a healthy work culture in a climate where opportunities are high, yet budgets are tight.

Kate Bravery

Senior Partner, Mercer

1 Regions
2 Industries

This chart shares the top ten priorities for HR in 2025 organized by region. The regions include Global; Asia; Europe and UK; India, Middle East & Africa; Latin America & Caribbean; Pacific; and US & Canada.

This chart shares the top ten priorities for HR in 2025 by industry. Industries include Automobile; Chemicals; Construction; Consumer goods; Financial Services; Healthcare; Insurance; Life Sciences; Manufacturing; Natural resources; Oil & Gas; Power, Utilities & Renewables; Professional Services; Retail; Technology, Media & Communications; Transportation & Logistics.

If 2024 was the year of experimentation, 2025 has to be the year of benefit realization. As organizations continue to explore the promise of new technologies, leaders will need to pivot from a focus on cost optimization towards one centered on material returns for all stakeholders. But in an era where people risk equates to business risk, striking the right balance between acceleration and delivering a winning work experience will be paramount. As we embrace greater human-machine teaming, leading organizations have a real chance to deliver a more intuitive, simplified, and customized work experience. To unlock potential in this age of opportunity, leaders must listen intently to quiet signals, be prepared to make bold moves, and brace themselves for lasting change.

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