Business Trends for Employers and Job Seekers

As we start off the new year, the business world is set to experience fresh changes and emerging trends. Recent years have highlighted that companies which are flexible and adaptable can sustain a competitive advantage, making it vital for both employers and job seekers to anticipate these trends. At Broadwing Recruitment, our ethos revolves around staying ahead of the curve.

Here are the most significant trends we expect to see in 2025:

The Rise of Human-Centric Leadership

In today’s world, leadership, development, and employee well-being are intricately connected. As Artificial Intelligence takes over traditional managerial tasks, leadership roles are evolving, paving the way for the emergence of human-centric leadership in 2025. Leaders who cultivate emotional connections and foster cohesive teams will be in high demand. Key attributes will include empathy, the ability to facilitate human-machine collaboration, and a strong focus on talent development. This shift marks a fundamental transformation from mere task management to nurturing teams amid rapid global changes. Leaders who adopt this model will be essential in balancing technological advancements with human needs in the age of AI.

Side Hustles & The Gig Economy

In 2025, companies are expected to witness a continued rise of employees engaging in side hustles. While the gig economy initially flourished through ride-sharing and delivery services, it is predicted to expand beyond these sectors. As employees continuously seek flexibility and autonomy, side hustles will gain prominence in fields experiencing skill shortages, such as healthcare and cybersecurity. For companies, this means adapting to project-based working opportunities to retain and attract top talent in the workforce.

Skill Shortages Persisting

Despite Ai’s potential to bridge skills gaps, talent acquisition teams are bound to continue facing challenges in 2025. Industries such as technology, healthcare, and engineering will be particularly affected, with recruitment teams struggling to fill positions. A 2024 study revealed that 77% of employers reported difficulty in filling job roles, especially within the tech and healthcare sectors. To address these challenges, creative recruitment strategies – such as leveraging AI, global hiring, and upskilling – will be essential in closing the skills gap.

Hybrid Harmony: The Golden Middle Ground

An emerging trend from the end of 2024 has seen employers calling their remote workers back to the office. This has sparked considerable discussion on both sides, leading to predictions of a rise in hybrid working in the coming year. Progressive employers are embracing this paradigm, creating opportunities for employees to enhance their work-life balance while maintaining connections with colleagues and the company culture. While some organisations are transitioning from fully remote to entirely in-office set-ups, hybrid harmony appears to be the optimal approach, benefiting both employers and employees alike.

The essence of true leadership lies in empowering individuals to realize their full potential. Employees don’t always recognize their own capabilities or have the mindset to step out of their comfort zones and push boundaries. They need a leader who not only challenges them but also shows them that they can achieve more than they ever thought possible. Through empathy and a strong sense of connection, leaders inspire their teams to grow, learn, and discover their true potential, ultimately becoming experts in their fields.

– Silvija Čiurlionytė, Recruitment Team Leader

Bonus: The Four-Day Week

Terms like ‘work-life balance’, ‘employee satisfaction’, and ‘well-being’ have become staples in the business lexicon. As the trend of the four-day work week has gradually gained traction in innovative organisations, it is predicted to gain accelerate in 2025. By challenging traditional work structures, more organisations are likely to adopt this model, thereby enhancing employee well-being, improving work-life balance, and reducing carbon footprints. This shift prioritises extended recovery time for employees while boosting productivity within teams. For instance, Microsoft reported a 40% increase in employee productivity, with other companies experiencing higher staff retention, fewer sick days, and increased annual revenue.

With 2025 on the horizon, the necessity for businesses to embrace agility and innovation is clearer than ever. The business landscape is in constant flux, and adaptability is key for staying at the forefront. By embracing these shifts and aligning new leadership models, working structures, and recruitment strategies, organisations can secure their ongoing relevance. Flexibility and foresight will be the driving forces of success in the year ahead, enabling both employers and employees to flourish amid transformation.