I spent most of December reflecting on the year—evaluating what we learned as a team in 2024 and identifying our goals for the new year. I also revisited my workforce predictions for 2024, which highlighted several key trends I expected to see gain momentum:
- Growing discussions and implementation of the 4-day workweek.
- A sharp focus on AI training and leadership opportunities for top young professional talent to grow their skill sets and build leadership capacity.
- Addressing workforce burnout, with young professionals seeking employers who prioritize mental health awareness.
- More intentional intergenerational communication efforts as companies look for ways to improve collaboration across multigenerational teams.
- Preparing for change. With geopolitical tensions rising and a major election on the horizon, companies braced for a workforce impacted by heightened opinions and uncertainty.
I’m happy to say these predictions were spot on! Now, with another year of insights as a workforce strategist under my belt, here’s where I see 2025 making waves.
- Hybrid Work vs. Return-to-Office Momentum
The hybrid work debate isn’t going anywhere. While I believe a hybrid model, when clearly defined, offers tremendous benefits, many companies are doubling down on return-to-office policies. Unfortunately, this push is likely to backfire as organizations lose top talent to competitors offering more flexible environments. - Gen Z Firings on the Rise
Gen Z is under scrutiny, and firings within this generation are happening at an alarming rate. This, coupled with the rise of online firings being shared on TikTok, reflects growing frustration among leaders with younger workers that they feel lack traditional professionalism or punctuality. - Generational Tensions at a Breaking Point
Gen Z has gained a reputation for being “the hardest generation to work with,” a label that’s adding fuel to already growing generational workplace tensions. The solution? Companies must invest in generational training to bridge gaps and foster better understanding among their teams. - Rising Ageism Conversations
Ageism is still part of our workforce, and these conversations will become louder in 2025. - The Emergence of Gen Alpha
While Gen Alpha won’t start entering the workforce until 2028, the first wave is nearing employment age. Companies are starting to explore what this new generation will bring to the table and how to prepare for their arrival (think: internships, apprenticeships, etc.). They will be here faster than you might think! - Skilled Trades and Industry Shifts
The spotlight on skilled trades is growing, especially in manufacturing, construction, and engineering fields. We anticipate Gen Z to venture into skilled trades and AI to transform our workplace. AI’s role here will also be pivotal as it transforms workflows and demands new skills. - The Widening Skills Gap
As experienced leaders retire, many organizations are struggling to transfer knowledge to younger workers. The lack of mentorship and succession planning is leaving industries with significant skills gaps that will take years to close. - A Focus on Synergies Over Differences
We’re moving beyond conversations about what separates generations and shifting toward what unites them. Companies will prioritize similarities and synergies to create stronger, more collaborative workplaces.
In the meantime, we have some big goals of our own for 2025, but our biggest priority? Keeping you informed on the trends shaping the multigenerational workforce.
We’re tracking these predictions closely and integrating them into our programs, training, and advising services. Whether it’s bridging generational divides through communication training, navigating hybrid work challenges, or preparing for the future workforce, we’re here to help organizations tackle these pressing issues head-on.
If you want more information about the strongest attraction and retention strategies for today’s top talent, download our Fall 2024 Report!
Did you like this week’s post? Then you might like these posts below.
On the Road with YPK: What Our 2024 Has Had to Say
Getting It Right: The Hayes Approach
The Key to a Successful PTO Policy? Meaning It.
What’s Next?
Ready to transform your multi-generational workplace culture? Contact YoPro Know today! We can help you develop a thoughtful strategy that fosters positive relationships, strengthens your employer brand, and attracts top talent. Let’s ensure your benefits pave the way for a dynamic cross-generational workforce! To learn more about how our services can help you in recruiting and retaining professional talent, schedule Your Free Planning Session Today.
