As is to be expected with constant changes in technology, cultural norms and employee expectations, the world of work is always transforming, making it important to take note of current trends so that you can make sure that you’re staying competitive and creating an attractive environment that meets the demands of the diverse, future-focused employees you want in your organisation.

Here are five trends set to shape the year ahead…

Hybrid Work Is Here To Stay

The trend: This time five years ago, we were all merrily going about our business, unaware that life as we knew it was about to be flipped on its head. During the pandemic, the hybrid model quickly gained in popularity as employers and employees realised that working in an office was not essential for getting good work done.

This model is particularly beneficial for women and for promoting gender equality in the workplace since WFH allows women (who are often the primary caregivers in a family) the flexibility to complete their work and care duties without either suffering. 

The plan: According to Forbes, “forward-thinking employers in 2025 are adopting this new paradigm, creating opportunities for their workforce to improve their work-life balance while also maintaining strong connections to colleagues and company cultures.” 

Sadly, President Donald Trump missed the memo and has ordered all US federal employees to be back in office five days a week, and many businesses in the UK have issued similar directives. Not a good look considering the direction workplaces are going this year.

The Rise Of The Gig Economy

The trend: According to Ingrid Booth for Investec, “over a third of the US workforce is involved in some form of gig work, and as many as 162 million American and European workers are freelancers. Locally, Statistics SA’s employment outlook has found that temporary employment rose from 2.6 million in 2017 to 3.9 million in 2018.”

As 2025 progresses, Forbes expects “more skilled professionals to embrace this [the gig economy] model, attracted by autonomy and diverse opportunities.”

The plan: “The gig economy is nothing new,” says Booth. “For centuries, people have been performing temporary or freelance jobs. But what has changed is that technology is now enabling more widespread, flexible and on-demand work opportunities that both companies and individuals can benefit from.” It’s up to organisations to create project-based opportunities for the talent they want to attract to their business.

Embracing The Four-Day Week

The trend: According to Boston College, in a global study conducted by 4 Day Week Global, it was found that shortening the work week by one day resulted in an improvement in productivity and growth in revenue; workers reported less stress and burnout, and there was an overall positive effect on mental and physical health. Perhaps most telling is that none of the companies surveyed indicated that they wouldn’t continue with the four-day week going forward.

The plan: This year, even more organisations are expected to join the movement, as other perks included lower employee healthcare costs, less employee turnover, and it was seen as an asset for recruiting new workers.

The Case For Upskilling And Reskilling

The trend: As technology advances, more and more jobs will be created. Just think, did you expect that an AI research analyst would be a thing in 2025? In this ever-evolving climate, it’s up to employees and employers to make sure that workers’ skills are up to date so that they can progress as technology advances and new opportunities open up.

The plan: According to Forbes, “organisations offering robust learning opportunities will attract top talent, positioning themselves as growth incubators. Those failing to embrace lifelong learning risk falling behind. In 2025, adaptability and continuous learning will be crucial for both organisational success and individual career resilience.”

Putting employees’ well-being first

The trend: With burnout affecting more and more of the workforce, employers are realising the importance of protecting their employees’ mental health and well-being. Says Forbes, “Organisations are recognising that employee well-being isn’t just about doing the right thing – it’s about driving better business outcomes, as [Always Designing For People] research shows that prioritising employee well-being means significantly higher productivity and engagement.”

The plan: Many companies will invest more in mental health solutions and programmes to better support their employees. This might include stress management and resilience tools, telemedicine, and mindfulness and meditation programmes.

Read more: 10 Employer Brand Trends To Know Now