Big Changes Coming to Work in 2025: What You Need to Know
Work is changing fast, and 2025 will bring some big shifts in how we do our jobs. Companies are dealing with not having enough workers, new technology popping up everywhere, and employees who are tired of constant changes. Let's look at the main changes we'll see in how we work this year.
1. Companies Are Losing Their Experts
More people are retiring than ever before - about 12,000 Americans retire every day! At the same time, computers are now doing many of the basic jobs that new workers used to do. This means newer workers aren't getting the chance to learn from experienced ones. In fact, 6 out of 10 workers say they're not getting enough training to do their jobs well.
To fix this, smart companies are using technology to save knowledge from their experts. They're recording helpful tips, making short training videos, and using special computer programs to track how well people are doing their jobs.
2. Companies Are Changing How They Work Because of AI
Companies want to grow bigger in 2025, and they think AI (artificial intelligence) can help. But the way most companies are set up right now makes it hard to use AI well. About 75% of companies say they need to change how they're organized to make better use of AI.
To fix this, companies are making things simpler - fewer bosses, more teamwork, and better ways to learn new skills.
3. New Technology Will Help People Work Together Better
Only about 3 in 10 workers are happy with how they work with their coworkers - that's down from about 4 in 10 just a few years ago. Companies are using new AI tools to help fix this. These tools can remind people about their coworkers' preferences (like whether they prefer email or text messages) and give tips on how to communicate better.
4. Workers Trust Computers More Than Bosses for Some Things
Surprisingly, many workers think computers are fairer than human bosses! About 57% of workers believe AI would be better at deciding pay raises, and 87% think computers could give fairer feedback than their managers.
5. Companies Are Trying to Keep Their Best Workers
AI is making it harder to tell who's really doing great work and who's just good at using AI to make their work look better. Companies need to figure out new ways to spot and reward their best workers.
6. Making Everyone Feel Welcome at Work
Instead of just focusing on hiring different types of people, companies are now trying harder to make everyone feel welcome and included. Companies that do this well are seeing better results - their workers are happier and come up with better ideas.
7. Using AI the Wrong Way Can Make Things Worse
About 1 in 5 workers say new technology has actually made their jobs harder! Companies that put AI first without thinking about their workers are running into problems. The most successful companies are the ones that think about their workers first and then figure out how AI can help them.
8. Loneliness at Work Is a Big Problem
Only 29% of workers feel good about their connections with coworkers - that's down from 36% in 2021. Interestingly, people who work in the office are even lonelier than people who work from home! Some companies are trying creative solutions, like giving workers money to go on dates or take part in social activities.
9. Workers Want a Say in How AI Is Used
Workers are speaking up about how AI should be used at their jobs. Right now, only about 2 in 10 companies think about how AI might hurt their workers. The best companies are listening to their workers' ideas about how to use AI in ways that help everyone.
What This Means for the Future
These changes will affect different companies in different ways. Smart company leaders are already thinking about:
Which changes will affect their company the most
How these changes might affect their most important workers
Which changes could hurt their goals if they ignore them
The companies that handle these changes well will have the best chance of success in 2025 and beyond.