Overarching trend: Better leadership is coming.
1. RTO vs WFH: The Showdown Continues
Brace yourselves, this debate is far from over, but we might finally get some closure in 2025. Senior executives have spent the past year trying to coax/coerce employees back into the office full-time, even going so far as to admit that some of this push is about shedding “uncommitted” workers. But, spoiler alert: WFH is not going anywhere. In fact, we’ll likely see a shift as leaders start to realise that the best talent will deliver no matter where they’re working from. The problem, of course, is that senior leaders are still chained to their expensive office leases that extend well into the foreseeable future. So, expect the debate to drag on a bit longer. Meanwhile, most of us will be busy enjoying flexible working lives, quietly ignoring the noise.
2. AI vs Humans: Expect Some Curveballs
AI is going to keep creeping into every facet of our lives, whether we like it or not. The talk about AI replacing humans in intellectual tasks? Let’s pump the brakes. Sure, AI will help us with a lot, but it’s still not going to replace the need for personal relationships in business. Let’s face it, business isn’t just about cold logic. It’s emotional, messy, and energising, just like life. That’s what makes it exciting. AI won’t get that anytime soon. In the meantime, AI will cause some trust issues within organisations, as people secretly (or not-so-secretly) use it without fessing up, (full disclosure: I used AI to help rewrite a couple of paragraphs in this article) or people worry about management trying to replace them with AI options. And this creates a real issue, because without trust, teams can’t perform at their best, so it will likely have a deterimental affect on performance in the coming year, so expect some short-term turbulence. But in the long run, AI will eventually find it’s equilibrium, if it doesn’t become self-aware and decide humans are the problem. In which case, well, all bets are off.
3. Questions Over Certainty: The Rise of Humble Leaders
We’ve all worked with those leaders who are convinced they know everything and have all the answers. Here’s the thing: in 2025, it’ll be the leaders who ask the right questions and are genuinely committed to learning and evolving who come out on top. It’s not exactly a revelation, but it’s going to become glaringly obvious this year. Following on from #1, leaders who insist on having all the answers and refuse to learn or listen will be left behind. People will vote with their CVs. The good news is, the leaders who embrace curiosity and humility will thrive. Better leaders will blossom in 2025.
4. The Personalisation of Workplaces: A New Era
The workplace is evolving, and it’s going to get even more interesting. With younger generations entering the workforce and older ones sticking around longer, the mix of people and perspectives is becoming richer and more complex. And all the more, as companies get better at hiring and catering for neurodiversity and tapping into individuals unique abilities. How will companies adapt to meet the unique needs of this diverse workforce? Think varied schedules and more personalised ways of working. With this interesting and exciting mix coming together, companies will start to offer more personalisation and fluidity in how and when people work. We’re still in the early stages of figuring all this out, but the organisations that succeed will be the ones that cater to the individual, offering flexibility making it easier for people to work around their needs and wants and recognising that work isn’t one-size-fits-all. Companies that understand this will attract the best talent and keep it.
5. Culture and Purpose: For Real This Time
It’s easy for those of us in the culture development world to assume everyone is talking about it, but let’s be real: they’re not. That’s changing, though. In 2025, expect culture to finally get the attention it deserves, as more leaders recognise that a thriving culture is key to attracting and retaining top talent. The ‘fun perks’—Friday beers, free lunches, ping-pong tables—won’t cut it anymore. Companies are going to need to offer something deeper: a clear, compelling purpose that goes beyond just making money. People want to work somewhere where they feel respected, trusted, and empowered. The new workplace mantra? Do meaningful work, get a fair salary, and enjoy a culture of trust and flexibility. Simple. Purpose-driven. And more energising than a ping-pong table ever could be.
So, there you have it—my predictions for 2025. Let’s see how it all unfolds. Wishing you an amazing year ahead!
