As we look ahead to 2025, it’s important to consider how technological advancements, evolving workplace cultures, and shifting employee expectations are shaping the future of work. In this article, we will explore the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on job roles, the rise of hybrid work models, and the increasing importance of mental health and well-being initiatives.
Hybrid Working Models
As we move into 2025, we can expect companies to move to more hybrid working models and less fully remote work, whereby employees will work from both home and the office. This type of work will help employees maintain a work-life balance by allowing workers more flexibility that helps reduce stress and burnout and the ability to engage in both in-person and virtual social activities.
With an increased emphasis on work-life balance, organisations will focus on providing well-being and mental health in the workplace. Employees will prioritise health initiatives, offer more activities like mindfulness, and create workplaces that promote both comfort and productivity.
Hybrid working also enables companies to attract talent from a wider geographical range as opposed to only those who can commute to the office daily. It also reduces the amount of office space companies need, thus lowering their overall operational costs. In 2025, workplaces will also focus more on sustainability, adopting eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient buildings, and utilising hybrid working to help reduce their carbon footprint.
Fasted Growing and Fasted Declining Jobs
Those in manual data entry and administrative roles are expected to be impacted by AI job displacement, and these roles driven by technology and sustainability are expected to be some of the fastest-growing roles.
Fastest-Growing Jobs
1. Data Scientists and AI Specialists: With the rise of big data and AI, these roles are in high demand to analyse data and develop AI algorithms.
2. Renewable Energy Technicians: As the world shifts towards sustainable energy, technicians for wind, solar, and other renewable sources are needed
3. Cybersecurity Analysts: With increasing cyber threats, there's a growing need for professionals to protect data and systems.
4. Healthcare Workers in Telemedicine: The healthcare sector is expanding, especially in remote care and telemedicine.
5. Blockchain Specialists: As blockchain technology becomes more widespread, specialists in this field are in demand.
Fastest-Declining Jobs
1. Bank Tellers and Related Clerks: Automation and online banking are reducing the need for traditional bank tellers.
2. Postal Service Clerks: The rise of digital communication is decreasing the demand for postal services.
3. Cashiers and Ticket Clerks: Self-checkout systems and online ticketing are replacing these roles.
4. Data Entry Clerks: Automation and AI are taking over routine data entry tasks.
5. Administrative and Executive Secretaries: Many administrative tasks are being automated or outsourced.
Productivity and Upskilling
The growth of AI will enhance productivity in the workplace through the automation of daily administration tasks. It will also increase the need for workers to upskill and reskill to keep up with technological advancements.
The increased use of AI will also place more emphasis on companies hiring workers with socioeconomic skills such as:
Empathy: Workers will be required to use empathy for tasks that require a personal touch, such as building strong relationships and trust with clients and teams.
Curiosity: Workers who excel in these skills will be keen problem solvers, able to think creatively, adapt to workplace technology advancements, and upskill to stay relevant in the changing job market.
Resilience: These types of individuals handle stress well and quickly bounce back from changes and setbacks.
Online Learning and Future Skills
An increased need for employees to upskill online learning and education is expected to see an increased demand in 2025 as businesses upskill their workforce to keep up with the ever-changing work landscape.
The top 10 expected workplace skills are:
Analytical Thinking and Innovation: The ability to analyse complex problems and develop creative solutions.
Active Learning: Continuously seek out new knowledge and skills and apply them effectively.
Complex Problem Solving: Tackling intricate challenges that require a deep understanding and innovative approaches.
Critical Thinking and Analysis: Evaluating information objectively and making reasoned conclusions.
Creativity: Bringing new ideas and taking proactive steps to implement them.
Leadership and Social Influence: Guiding teams and influencing others positively.
Technology Use, Monitoring, and Control: Proficiency in using and managing technology effectively.
Resilience and Flexibility: Adapting to change and managing stress effectively.
Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing your own emotions, as well as empathising with others.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Working well with others to achieve common goals.
Workplace Legal Changes
In 2025, several legal changes are expected to impact workplaces in the UK.
Flexible Working Rights: Employees will have the right to request flexible working arrangements from day one of employment. Employers are required to respond within two months. Employees can make two flexible working requests per year.
Minimum Wage Increase: The national minimum wage will be significantly increased, with the aim of addressing income inequality and improving living standards.
Employment Rights Bill: This bill aims to update and modernise employment rights, including measures to support employers, workers, and unions.
Day One Rights: Basic employment rights, such as paternity, parental, and bereavement leave, will be established from day one.
Unfair Dismissal Protections: The removal of the two-year qualifying period will strengthen protections against unfair dismissal.
Pay Transparency: There will be increased requirements for pay transparency to ensure fair compensation practices.
In Conclusion
As we approach 2025, technological advancements, evolving workplace cultures, and shifting employee expectations are shaping the future of work. Hybrid working models will become the norm, balancing flexibility and productivity while promoting sustainability. The job market will see significant shifts, with roles in AI, renewable energy, and cybersecurity growing while traditional roles like bank tellers and data entry clerks decline.
To thrive in this ever-changing landscape, employees must continuously upskill, focusing on technical and socio-economic skills. Additionally, legal changes will enhance workers' rights and protections, ensuring fair and equitable treatment in the workplace. These trends point towards a more flexible, inclusive, and technologically advanced work environment.
Summary of Main Points
1. Hybrid Working Models:
Companies will adopt hybrid working models, combining home and office work.
This approach supports work-life balance, reduces stress, and allows for both in-person and virtual social activities.
Hybrid work attracts a wider talent pool and reduces operational costs.
Emphasis on sustainability with eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient buildings.
2. Fastest Growing and Declining Jobs:
Growing Jobs: Data Scientists, AI Specialists, Renewable Energy Technicians, Cybersecurity Analysts, Telemedicine Healthcare Workers, Blockchain Specialists.
Declining Jobs: Bank Tellers, Postal Service Clerks, Cashiers, Data Entry Clerks, Administrative Secretaries.
3. Productivity and Upskilling:
AI will automate daily tasks, boosting productivity.
Workers need to upskill/reskill to keep pace with technology.
Socioeconomic skills like empathy, curiosity, and resilience will be crucial.
4. Online Learning and Future Skills:
Increased demand for online learning to upskill the workforce.
Key skills: Analytical Thinking, Active Learning, Complex Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Leadership, Technology Use, Resilience, Emotional Intelligence, Collaboration.
5. Workplace Legal Changes:
Flexible working rights from day one.
Significant increase in the National Minimum Wage.
Employment Rights Bill to modernize employment rights.
Day one rights for paternity, parental, and bereavement leave.
Stronger protections against unfair dismissal.
Increased pay transparency requirements.
Want to Communicate, Connect, or Collaborate?
I'm always looking for collaborative opportunities and people to network with. Make sure to reach out, subscribe, and say hi.👋🏻 Email me directly at: emily@reflectionscareercoaching.co.uk 😃
Book a discovery call with me to discuss your needs and goals and explore how I can help you achieve them. ☎️