Staying ahead of job market trends is essential for employers to attract top talent. Offering what employees are looking for increases attraction and retention rates.
Knowing which emerging trends will impact the 2025 job market helps you plan your staffing needs accordingly. The following are three trends to capitalize on in the new year.
Increasing Demand for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) will continue in 2025:
Advancements in LGBT+ equality at work
More Human Resources teams will implement inclusive policies, provide training to minimize bias and discrimination, and foster an inclusive work environment for the LGBT+ community. Also, many teams will collaborate with external LGBT+ organizations to create employee resource groups (ERGs) and strengthen inclusion.
Transformation in leadership diversity
Many Human Resources teams will prioritize closing the gaps in ethnicity and gender diversity in leadership roles. These activities could include creating equitable paths for underrepresented groups to advance into leadership roles. Targeted recruitment strategies, mentorship programs, and minimizing bias in promotions and succession planning can support this transformation.
Strategies for embracing neurodiversity
More Human Resources teams will implement targeted recruitment initiatives, workplace accommodations, and neurodiversity training for managers and teams to recognize the strengths of employees with neurological differences. These activities help build an inclusive culture where employee contributions are valued, respected, and appreciated.
Growing Desire for Remote Work
Buffer’s State of Remote Work 2023 report found that:
- 71% of the 3,000 respondents were permanently working remotely.
- 76% of respondents who were looking for new jobs prioritized remote work opportunities over others.
- 98% preferred to work remotely at least part of the time for the rest of their careers.
Due to the increasing demand for flexibility, more employers are expected to let their employees work remotely in 2025. The benefits include:
- Access to wider talent pools
- Greater productivity
- Reduced employee stress
- Lower odds of employee burnout
- Increased employee attraction and retention rates
- Reduced hiring, onboarding, and training costs
- Less need to pay for office space, utilities, supplies, and related expenses
- Stronger bottom line
Expansion of the Gig Economy
The gig economy involves independent contractors who take on projects and consulting assignments to earn income. According to statistics from TeamStage:
- Over 50% of the US workforce is likely to participate in the gig economy by 2027.
- 55% joined the gig economy for additional earnings.
- 76% of gig workers are very satisfied with their choice.
Many workers prefer the flexibility of the gig economy over having a full-time job. Others enjoy the ability to increase their income by completing contract work around their full-time jobs.
Employer benefits of hiring gig workers include:
- Flexibility: Employers can adjust their workforce to meet demand without long-term commitments.
- Specialized skills: Managers can hire independent contractors with niche skills to complete tasks or projects on an as-needed basis.
- Cost-effectiveness: Employers do not provide benefits such as health insurance, a retirement plan, or paid time off (PTO).
- Fewer administrative requirements: Because independent contractors are responsible for their taxes and legal compliance, the Human Resources team has fewer back-office tasks and a simpler payroll process as compared to employees.
Do You Need Help with 2025 Workforce Planning?
Corps Team stays current on the latest trends to provide relevant and timely recruitment services that meet employers’ evolving needs. Contact us to get help with your 2025 workforce planning today.
