2025: top 10 trends in the world of work

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 01. 15. 12:04

As technology continues to shape the way businesses of all sizes operate and grow, 2025 will be another defining year for the world of work. While the return to the office was once again a trend in 2024, the reality is much more nuanced. Hybrid working continues to offer millions of employees a more convenient way to work every day: working how and where they want. The majority of business leaders believe in hybrid working and its long-term benefits.

This year, companies will focus primarily on increasing employee productivity and satisfaction, not on where they work. The recognition that employees can work and produce quality work not only in the central office, but also in a variety of other locations will result in a shift in focus to performance and achieving business goals.

Hybrid working is gaining ground for another important reason: more and more businesses will change the size of their office space as long-term leases expire, making hybrid working a strategic business decision. This will minimize overhead costs while providing numerous benefits to employees.

In a new study, the International Workplace Group (IWG) – the leading provider of hybrid working solutions, which includes the Spaces and Regus brands – presents the 10 most important trends that will shape the global workplace in 2025.

The decline of RTO (return-to-office)

In companies where daily commuting to work is still expected – often covering long and unnecessary distances to a central office – layoffs are expected.

According to a survey conducted by an independent market researcher, large companies such as Amazon, 73% of employees considered quitting due to “RTO”. Research by the International Workplace Group also found that two-thirds (67%) of recruiters said that workplaces that have implemented a mandatory five-day head office presence have seen an increase in turnover.

Research consistently shows that hybrid working not only leads to higher employee satisfaction, but also better productivity.

Performance matters, not hours

By 2025, most employers will increasingly prioritize performance over the traditional 9am to 5pm work schedule.

Mark Dixon, founder and CEO of the International Workplace Group, has long emphasized that productivity depends on good leadership and clear KPIs, not strict working hours and mandatory attendance. The majority of HR leaders (80%) also believe that hybrid working increases productivity, with 75% of employees feeling more productive and engaged. Professor Nicholas Bloom also estimates that hybrid working can lead to an average productivity increase of 3-4%.

Growing startups and SMEs continue to demand quality, professional work environments in suburbs and small towns

As the number of small businesses continues to grow post-pandemic, the demand for scalable, flexible workspaces will continue to grow in 2025.

Small and medium-sized enterprises currently account for around half of global GDP and around 40% of employment, with their number expected to almost double by 2031. International Workplace Group, which offers more than 4,500 flexible workspaces around the world, is also increasingly opening its workstations in suburbs and small towns, a trend that is expected to continue in 2025.