tariffs, trade & turbulence: workforce strategies for 2025 and beyond - event overview

The U.S. economy is entering a period of accelerated disruption. With tariffs back on the table, immigration enforcement ramping up, and compliance risks growing more complex, business leaders are facing a perfect storm of external pressures impacting how they recruit, manage, and retain talent.

In uncertain times, workforce strategy can’t be static. Agility, resilience, and legal readiness are no longer nice-to-haves—they're business essentials.

To help leaders make sense of these evolving challenges, Randstad is hosting an upcoming webinar focused on actionable workforce strategies for today’s turbulent climate:

what’s behind the current disruption?

Since President Trump’s return to office, U.S. trade policy has shifted swiftly. New tariffs targeting imports from China, Mexico, Canada and Europe are raising concerns among employers in manufacturing, logistics, automotive, and supply chain-driven industries. These policies could significantly increase production costs, restrict access to key materials, and lead companies to reconsider hiring plans.

But tariffs are only one part of the picture.

According to the World Economic Forum, 61% of U.S. companies expect continued labor market volatility in 2025, and over 70% cite talent shortages as a major threat to growth. Layer in heightened enforcement of I-9 compliance and growing legal scrutiny of DEI practices, and the pressure on workforce leaders is rising on all fronts.

what to expect from the webinar

Led by Randstad executives Greg Dyer and Jay Ferguson, this session will break down the latest policy changes and economic risks—and offer guidance on how U.S. businesses can respond with agility and confidence.

You’ll hear insights on:

💡 how tariffs are reshaping workforce planning

Learn how leading employers are adjusting hiring and scheduling strategies in response to rising costs and unpredictable trade dynamics.

💡 workforce agility in action

Explore how organizations are moving from “just-in-time” to “just-in-case” talent models, using on-demand staffing platforms, blended workforce models, and scenario planning to adapt quickly when conditions shift.

💡 immigration enforcement and legal risk

Chief Legal Officer Jay Ferguson will share up-to-the-minute insights on I-9 audits, E-Verify, and worksite enforcement trends—plus proactive steps your business can take to stay compliant and prepared.

💡 DEI under the microscope

With several states restricting or reviewing DEI policies, what does responsible inclusion look like in 2025? Learn how to align your efforts with legal expectations—without abandoning your values.

💡 building for the long term through upskilling and internal mobility

As skills gaps persist, more companies are realizing they can’t hire their way out of the problem. Find out how employers are investing in on-the-job training, leadership development, and return-to-work programs to build sustainable talent pipelines.

who should attend?

This session is tailored for a wide range of U.S. leaders, including:

• Managers and department heads across manufacturing, transportation and logistics, finance, business administration, and more
• HR and talent acquisition professionals developing adaptive hiring and retention strategies
• Legal, compliance, and operations teams managing complex risk environments
• Business leaders and workforce strategists focused on long-term planning
• Anyone responsible for navigating workforce disruption and preparing for what’s next

Whether you’re adjusting hiring models, responding to legal scrutiny, or trying to future-proof your team, this webinar will give you tools, context, and clarity.

why it matters now

Workforce planning has always required strategy. But in today’s environment, it requires resilience, legal awareness, and a real-time ability to pivot. From tariff shocks to labor shortages to enforcement surges, this is not a year for guesswork.

The organizations that will thrive in 2025 are those that invest now in the people, platforms, and policies that help them stay prepared—no matter what comes next.

Let’s talk about what it means to lead with confidence in uncertain times.