Adam Grant, Glassdoor’s Chief Worklife Expert, recently spoke to FORTUNE about key trends reshaping the modern workplace.
From career reinvention to Gen Z’s rising influence and a renewed focus on workplace community, these shifts are redefining how professionals approach their jobs. Here’s what to expect in 2025.
Career Pivots Will Become More Common
The idea of a career change has always been appealing, but post-Great Resignation, more workers are actively taking control of their professional paths.
- Increased remote work opportunities mean job seekers aren’t limited by geography.
- Platforms like Glassdoor give employees deeper insight into company culture before applying.
- Workers are prioritizing well-being, looking to escape toxic environments and bad management.
According to Grant:
“2025 may well be the year where many people say, ‘I’ve had enough. I’m taking my career into my own hands.’”
This trend is an extension of career mobility’s long-term growth, but the acceleration is clear—employees are no longer willing to tolerate dissatisfaction in their jobs.
Gen Z Will Push for a Greater Voice in Workplace Decisions
Younger workers are challenging traditional workplace hierarchies.
Gen Z employees increasingly expect to be involved in decision-making, leading to tensions with executives.
- Many leaders push back, questioning why junior employees should have a say in corporate strategy.
- Successful managers will need to balance employee input while maintaining leadership authority.
- Clear communication about decision-making processes will be key to avoiding frustration.
Grant notes companies navigating this shift effectively will need to ensure that employees feel heard—even when their ideas aren’t adopted.
Managing these expectations will be critical for leaders moving forward.
Hiring? Post jobs for free with WhatJobs
Workplace Community Will Be a Top Priority
With loneliness on the rise, job seekers are putting more value on workplace relationships.
- Traditional social institutions—such as neighborhood communities and social clubs—are declining.
- As a result, work is becoming a primary space for connection and belonging.
- Companies will highlight their workplace culture to attract and retain talent.
Organizations struggling to bring employees back to the office may find that fostering a sense of belonging is one of the most effective strategies.
Grant predicts more employers will frame their workplaces as communities, emphasizing friendship and team connection as key benefits.
Need Career Advice? Get employment skills advice at all levels of your career
The Workplace of the Future
These trends point to a fundamental shift in how people approach work. Employees are seeking fulfillment, respect, and a sense of connection in ways that weren’t as prominent in the past.
As 2025 unfolds, companies that adapt to these changing expectations will be the ones that thrive.
FAQs
What are the workplace trends in 2025?
Workplaces in 2025 are being shaped by automation, hybrid work models, and a growing emphasis on employee well-being. AI and machine learning are streamlining tasks, allowing employees to focus on strategic work. Hybrid and remote setups remain popular, with companies investing in better digital collaboration tools.
Employee well-being is a priority, with businesses offering mental health support, flexible hours, and four-day workweeks in some sectors. Upskilling is crucial as industries adapt to rapid technological advancements, pushing companies to invest in continuous learning programs.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are evolving, with organizations prioritizing equal pay, inclusive hiring, and better representation at leadership levels. Sustainable business practices are also in focus, with more companies adopting eco-friendly policies and reducing carbon footprints.
AI-driven hiring and HR analytics are reshaping recruitment, using data to improve hiring decisions and employee retention. Meanwhile, office spaces are transforming into collaborative hubs rather than daily workstations, fostering creativity and teamwork.
Overall, businesses are prioritizing flexibility, technology, and employee experience to attract and retain talent in a competitive job market.
What are the future workplace trends?
The workplace of the future will be defined by automation, flexibility, and a greater focus on employee experience. AI and robotics will continue to reshape industries, handling routine tasks and freeing employees for more creative and strategic work. Hybrid and remote work models will remain the norm, with companies optimizing digital collaboration tools and virtual offices.
Employee well-being will be a central focus, with businesses investing in mental health programs, wellness benefits, and flexible work arrangements, including four-day workweeks in some cases. Continuous learning and upskilling will be essential as rapid technological advancements demand new skills.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) will play a key role in shaping company cultures, with businesses emphasizing fair pay, inclusive leadership, and diverse hiring practices. Sustainability will also be a priority, as organizations adopt greener policies, reduce waste, and aim for carbon neutrality.
AI-driven recruitment and HR analytics will refine hiring processes, improving efficiency and retention. Meanwhile, office spaces will evolve into collaboration hubs rather than daily workstations, designed to enhance teamwork and innovation.
Ultimately, the future workplace will revolve around adaptability, technology, and employee-centric policies to remain competitive in an evolving job market.
What are the inclusion trends in 2025?
Workplaces in 2025 are prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with more meaningful action and accountability. Companies are shifting from surface-level diversity efforts to measurable progress, ensuring representation at all levels, especially in leadership. Pay transparency is becoming standard, with businesses disclosing salary ranges to close wage gaps.
Neurodiversity inclusion is gaining traction, with workplaces adopting more flexible environments and support systems for employees with different cognitive abilities. Companies are also refining hiring processes to reduce bias, using AI tools and structured interviews to create fairer opportunities.
Flexible work arrangements remain a key focus, ensuring accessibility for employees with disabilities, parents, and caregivers. More businesses are investing in inclusive benefits, such as extended parental leave, mental health resources, and cultural observance days.
Training programs are evolving to emphasize cultural competence, allyship, and intersectionality. Additionally, supplier diversity initiatives are expanding, with companies prioritizing partnerships with minority-owned and women-led businesses.
Inclusion is no longer just a corporate buzzword—it’s becoming a fundamental business strategy, helping companies attract top talent, improve innovation, and build stronger workplace cultures.
What are the leadership trends in 2025?
Leadership in 2025 is defined by adaptability, emotional intelligence, and a focus on purpose-driven decision-making. Successful leaders are prioritizing agility, quickly responding to market shifts, technological advancements, and workforce expectations. Transparency is more critical than ever, with leaders openly communicating company goals, challenges, and ethical commitments.
Employee well-being is at the forefront, with leaders emphasizing mental health support, work-life balance, and flexible working arrangements. Servant leadership—where leaders empower and support their teams rather than dictate from the top—is gaining traction, fostering trust and collaboration.
AI and data-driven decision-making are becoming integral to leadership strategies, helping executives make informed, objective choices. At the same time, human skills like empathy, active listening, and inclusivity are seen as essential for managing diverse, multi-generational teams.
Sustainability and corporate responsibility are major priorities, with leaders integrating environmental and social impact into business strategies. Purpose-driven leadership is becoming the norm, where companies align profit goals with meaningful contributions to society.
Overall, leaders in 2025 must balance technological advancement with human connection, ensuring innovation while maintaining an engaged and motivated workforce.
