The new shape of work: New business realities

Navigating uncertainty
Companies have to address in real-time how inflation, recession and a tight labour market are affecting their business. They are deploying agile tactics to respond to the economic shocks and are sensing the market to map out business strategies that build resilience and balance near-term concerns with targeted investments for growth.
To navigate the storm and be ready for uncertainty analytics, design thinking, and strategic business and workforce planning to thoughtfully anticipate and prepare their organisations to manage through disruption for the better.
Our Mercer Marsh Benefits People Risk report identified the top five areas of people risks that companies are grappling with.
-
Health and SafetyHealth and safety risks are a threat to organisations, signalling high potential to disrupt business.
-
Governance and financialThe management of compensation, employee benefit and retirement plans is becoming increasingly complex and difficult.
-
Talent practicesThe changing nature of work, from the rise of hybrid working and gig economy to globalisation, is now the fifth biggest people risk.
-
Accelerated digitisationSkills obsolescence, where businesses struggle to develop, acquire or retain the skills for digital transformation or cyber management is now a top people risk.
-
Environmental and socialOrganisations are under pressure from customers and employees to address inequalities, remove disparities and prepare for climate change.
Themes impacting organisations and their employees
Fifty–seven percent of CEOs and CFOs plan to increase the use of AI and automation in the case of a deepening recession. Nearly one-third are redesigning work to reduce their organisations’ dependency on people.
Three ways to drive business optimisation
-
-
Learn more
Workforce and organisation transformation
Unlock future growth by transforming how you work and how your employees experience work.
-
Explore more
-
Point of view
People risk management
With data and insights from 4,575 HR and Risk professionals, MMB’s People Risk 2024 report outlines key workforce threats facing employers worldwide, the impact they can have on your organisation, and practical approaches to address critical risks today and in the future. -
Point of view
Culture risk in M&A
Better manage uncertainty and people risks in M&A transactions. After studying the data and considering our experience supporting clients on over 1,400 deals annually, we see a clear pattern. In this report, we offer an in-depth view of culture-related deal risks and provide strategies and practical solutions to predict and proactively plan for change. -
Point of view
Making good work a reality
Rebuild your workforce for a more human-centric, sustainable, and resilient future by redesigning people processes and work practices to intentionally mainstream good work across your operations. -
Point of view
Global Risks report
Related solutions
-
Employee experience design
Mercer’s employee experience design uses design-thinking principles to define and shape solutions to meet your people’s needs more effectively and to bring out the… -
AI-Powered Benefits Solutions
Discover how Mercer Marsh Benefits leverages cutting-edge AI technology to enhance benefits management, streamline processes, and deliver personalised solutions… -
Total rewards
Total rewards
When it comes to employee rewards, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Developing the best benefits programme for your employees requires in-depth strategy and…
Related insights
-
Attract & retain talent
Employee experience research — Why organisations move from projects to programmes
Explore the benefits of transitioning from disconnected employee experience projects to cohesive employee experience programmes. -
Future of work
The age of opportunity: How to lead in the longevity economy
Discover how employers can support financial wellbeing, healthy living and career development across the lifespan. -
Talent & transformation
HR digital transformation: Priorities for 2025
In 2025, HR digital transformation requires integrating AI, simplifying technology, leveraging skills intelligence, enhancing employee experiences, and building…