HR Experts Weigh In: 2024 Trends and 2025 Predictions You Need To Know

The world of work has seen some big changes in the last few years, and 2024 was no different. From the way people work to the way they get paid, companies have had to adapt to a lot of new challenges and opportunities.

As we head into 2025, it’s a good time to look back at the key data and insights from 2024 and what they can tell us about the future of HR. But first, let’s hear some hot takes on what’s in store for us from some of the top voices in HR today:

HR Tech and In-Office Experiences Will Evolve

In 2025, I predict we’ll see a continuation of trying to get the HR tech stack right as products incorporate more AI capabilities. This evolution will not only streamline processes but also enhance the precision and reliability of data-driven decision-making. As AI and improved technologies continue to refine data cleaning and access, HR professionals will have more robust tools at their disposal to make informed, strategic choices.

Also, the landscape of work modes will continue to evolve, with some employers doubling down on in-office “make the commute worth it” experiences. These efforts will focus on creating engaging and valuable in-person environments to attract and retain top talent. The goal will be to create an environment where employees feel engaged, supported, and inspired, whether they are working from home, the office, or a blend of both.

Wende Smith | Head of People Operations | BambooHR

Employee Happiness Will Improve

My prediction for 2025: After several years of declining trends, we’ll see employee happiness continue to improve. As people increasingly seek stability and security, and as industries adapt to more consistent work arrangements—whether in-person, remote, or hybrid—we can expect the lingering effects of the post-pandemic period to gradually diminish.

Brad Rencher | CEO | BambooHR

Gen Z Will Flatten Corporate America

By 2035, the growing influence of Gen Z's emphasis on open dialogue and collaborative relationships will push companies toward flatter organizational structures. These shifts will foster more frequent, meaningful interactions between frontline workers and leadership.

AI will play a pivotal role by automating administrative tasks and streamlining communication, enabling workers to focus on strategic, human-centric challenges. However, this transition will require careful management of AI integration and support for all generations to adapt to evolving roles and collaboration styles.

Brian Crofts | CPO | BambooHR

To see how we got here, let’s take a closer look at some of the most interesting data points from BambooHR’s 2024 reports on some of the most pressing HR topics, including:

The Green Status Effect and the Hidden Hope for Turnover

When RTO mandates started rolling in, we at BambooHR got curious. We surveyed over 1,000 employees and HR leaders about what people think of RTO policies and their work mode preferences. Here’s the scoop:

Compensation Disparities and Financial Struggles

Our compensation data from 2024 highlighted several concerning trends and disparities. Here are some of the most notable findings:

Workforce Dynamics

Next, let’s take a look at the HR trends and workforce insights that made an impact in 2024. Each month, BambooHR releases a Workforce Insights Report that’s chock-full of data that can give us a good idea of what the workforce is up to. Here are some of the most interesting findings from the past year:

Challenges and Recovery in Employee Happiness

BambooHR’s quarterly Employee Happiness Index report provides a comprehensive overview of the highs and lows of employees’ experience, using data from over 60,000 unique employees. This index offers valuable insights into the factors influencing employee morale across various industries. Here are the key trends and pivotal moments that shaped employee happiness in 2024:

Check out our other reports:
Spotlight on Q3: The Unexpected Rebound in Employee Happiness
2024 December Workforce Insights
The Great Pay Divide: Compensation Trends for 2025

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