success is more than what we do: 2025 workplace trends and job market analysis

Flexibility, AI upskilling, generational divides - many factors influence the workforce today, and they change every year. Randstad recently released its 22nd Workmonitor, a survey exploring the views of workers across the globe. We surveyed 26,000+ candidates in 25 markets across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas. This data provides a view into talent demands and trends impacting hiring worldwide. This is a crucial job market analysis tool for businesses interested in forming a proactive hiring strategy for 2025. In this year’s report, it is clear that community, equity, and personal development rank high on the list of priorities. However, some questions remain unclear (did someone say “RTO?”). Find out what matters most to today’s talent and how to attract and retain top employees in 2025.

when “hustle culture” has gone too far

Economic pressure, inflation, and “hustle culture” are all drivers pushing today’s workforce. Everyone is working to do more, make more, and stack jobs to quickly build their resumes and bank accounts. The constant grind takes a toll, bringing to focus the need for work-life balance to prevent burnout and added stress. For the first time ever, work-life balance has surpassed pay as the top motivator globally. The 2025 Salary Guide job market analysis backs this up. 89% of Millennials and 80% of Gen Z workers seek flexible arrangements. Flexibility reigns king when it comes to employee retention. Half of job seekers in North America stated they wouldn’t accept a job if they couldn’t control their schedule. Employers should consider relaxing their expectations on today’s workforce to meet demands. 

Using a digital platform like the Randstad app is one way to improve flexibility. Allowing employees the freedom to clock in late to their 9-5 for an appointment could also be an easy solution. The data speaks for itself: people want autonomy and flexibility to get work done on their terms.

equity in the workplace: more than just a trend

Our 2024 job market analysis report found that one-third of workers across the globe wouldn’t accept a job if they disagreed with the organization's viewpoints. It seems odd when several large organizations are rolling back their equity initiatives. Many are wondering if proactive diversity and inclusion efforts are a trend that won’t continue beyond 2024. We asked the same question this year, and the results tell a different story. Almost half (48%) of workers around the world now agree that their employer’s stance on social and environmental issues is an essential factor in whether or not they would accept a job. 44% go as far as to quit if they don’t agree with leadership.

Regardless of what is trendy, research shows that workplaces that favor diverse opinions and personalities are more likely to be innovative and financially successful. Transformational change comes when employees feel comfortable pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. Workplace ethics are a key component of how companies today shape their brands - and how customers spend their money.

AI for all

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools shape processes no one hasthought possible. This technology continues to develop and impact industries like customer experience, HR, finance, and life sciences, to name a few. Today’s competitive market has many job seekers and employees racing to develop the required skills to leverage AI in their work, enhancing efficiency and quality. Younger generations are adopting this new technology faster than others, but it may not be for the reason you think. Our job market analysis found that over half of Gen Z employees state they have received training and development opportunities. However, less than a third of Baby Boomers state the same.

This is not a new phenomenon. Last year’s Workmonitor Pulse found a significant generational split in AI usage habits. In 2024, Millennials proved to be the most adept at AI technology. While it is true that some of this is driven by cultural differences in the perception and optimism toward AI, equity also plays a role. Over one-third of employees in North America place the responsibility on employers to ensure their skills keep pace with technological advancements. It is clear that equitable access to AI upskilling opportunities is crucial to ensuring that all employees are equipped to leverage new tools and technologies such as AI.

is RTO the new WFH?

Another controversial topic on the agenda in this year’s survey was the return to office (RTO) mandates. The pandemic produced a surge of remote work-from-home opportunities. This provided flexibility to not only white-collar office workers but also their blue- and grey-collar counterparts. In today’s post-COVID marketplace, organizations are re-examining their work-from-home policies. Hybrid models, or work schedules requiring employees to be in the office for part of the week, have more than doubled in popularity year over year with 43% of organizations adopting this schedule. Many wonder how this will impact their talent attraction and retention since work-life balance ranks high on the list of talent priorities. Despite over one-third of employees saying they would consider quitting if asked to spend more time in the office, the majority of workers reported higher productivity in the office.

Remember, flexibility doesn’t just mean remote work. If you are considering implementing an RTO policy, consider polling your workforce to understand what flexibility means to them and build a solution that retains autonomy and productivity.

the power of the watercooler (even if it is virtual)

When asked questions about workplace relationships and building community at work, the results were overwhelmingly clear that in today’s digital age, people crave connection. Considering how important work-life balance has become, it is unsurprising that many are deprioritizing traditional definitions of success. Many job seekers are prioritizing feeling social and friendly on the job. Some are even willing to make less money if it means having good friends at work. It may be shocking that this job market analysis found a significant percentage of employees report higher performance on the job when they feel close to their coworkers.

Organizations can foster this community by building a culture of psychological safety in the workplace. This can boost performance, profitability, and job satisfaction. Try these ten ways to demonstrate psychological safety to build a community in the workplace. 

key takeaways

Success used to mean the corner office and a generous paycheck. These days, it can look a little different. Today’s workers balance economic and cultural expectations by balancing work and their personal lives. They do this by building communities at work and ensuring their time is spent at an organization that matches their values. Companies looking to build strategic hiring plans and encourage productivity can leverage this job market analysis to take steps to foster employee well-being. AI upskilling, flexible work schedules, and equitable policies are crucial factors to hiring the best talent in 2025. To learn more about the trends impacting your hiring, speak with a Randstad representative today.