The way we work is changing faster than ever. As workplace leaders, we’re tasked with navigating these shifts while fostering innovation, productivity, and employee engagement.
Workplace trends for 2025 center around two forces: the rapid advancement of technology and a growing emphasis on creating a more human-centric workplace. Together, these forces are reshaping what leading in this new era means.
Here’s how emerging trends are set to redefine our organizations, as well as the steps leaders can take to prepare.
1. Human and AI: Partners in Progress
The narrative around AI in the workplace has shifted. AI is no longer viewed as a job-stealer — it’s now seen as a powerful collaborator. In 2025, AI will increasingly handle repetitive, time-consuming tasks and enhance employees’ ability to deliver more strategic, high-impact work. This partnership will fundamentally redefine how work gets done.
Consider this: According to PwC, AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with productivity gains driving a significant portion of that growth. Tasks like scheduling, data entry, and even complex data analysis are becoming AI’s domain. At the same time, humans focus on creativity, problem-solving, and innovation, enriched with the insights that AI can contribute to.
Action Steps for Leaders:
Start by identifying organizational processes that can benefit from automation. This frees up valuable time for your teams to focus on more strategic activities.
Next, find tasks where instant access to the right info can have a big impact. Tools like a unified index and AI models can improve systems and platforms. AI can enhance daily employee experiences. It can cut the time spent on finding resources, analyzing data, and accomplishing tasks like onboarding, performance tracking, and internal communications. Automating these processes will simplify workflows, boost productivity, and increase engagement across your organization.
Make AI a seamless part of your workflow. It should be a partner — woven into your daily operations, not a separate tool.
Relevant reading: 6 Intranet Best Practices for a More Engaged Workplace in 2024
2. Content That Fits the Person
Gone are the days of a one-size-fits-all approach to workplace communication and resources. Personalized content delivery is transforming how employees interact with workplace systems. Imagine logging into your company portal and being greeted with resources tailored to your role, skill level, and current projects.
A study from Accenture shows that 91% of employees are more likely to stay with a company that offers personalized, relevant training and support. This approach enhances efficiency and fosters a deeper connection between employees and the organization.
Why It Matters:
When employees can access the right information without sifting through irrelevant materials, their engagement skyrockets. Tailored experiences reduce frustration, speed up task completion, and ultimately improve overall satisfaction.
How to Start:
Audit your current content delivery systems. Are they adaptable to individual needs? Our research found that on average employees spends around three hours a day searching for information needed to do their jobs. Consider implementing AI-powered personalized search that can analyze employee behaviors and preferences to surface the most relevant content.
Relevant Reading: 5 Best Practices to Close Gaps in Your Digital Employee Experience
3. Learning That Clicks, Not Overwhelms
Employee training has long been a pain point for organizations. Dense manuals and endless slideshows often lead to disengagement and low retention. In 2025, learning is getting a much-needed upgrade thanks to advancements in AI.
Today’s AI tools can transform complex information into digestible, engaging formats. For instance, a lengthy training document can be turned into a quick video, while a step-by-step guide can become an interactive learning experience. This aligns with findings across LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Reports, which found that employees are more likely to engage with learning material if delivered in their preferred format.
Key Use Cases:
Onboarding shouldn’t be a one-time thing. Make your digital workplace a place for continuous learning. Use unified AI search and recommendations to give tailored insights to specific people in their roles. With just-in-time info that supports their work, employees upskill during the day instead of only when they get direct help or enablement.
You can also revamp your onboarding processes to include diverse content formats like video tutorials, podcasts, and interactive Q&A sessions. This improves engagement and helps new hires get up to speed faster.
4. AI That Does More Than Assist
AI tools are evolving beyond a passive information-providing mode. In 2025, they are expected to take on more active roles, helping employees accomplish tasks and make decisions in seconds. Whether drafting emails, preparing reports, or organizing schedules, AI copilots are becoming indispensable.
McKinsey estimates that generative AI could save employees up to 20-30% of their time on routine tasks. Imagine how productive your team could be if they had those hours to focus on strategic initiatives.
Real-World Applications:
- Internal- and external-facing employees across the enterprise can lean on AI for answers and resources to time-sensitive projects.
- Customer service teams can rely on AI to best resolve a customer’s inquiry, improving customer outcomes while allowing agents to focus more on complex, high-value interactions.
- AI can also help those same agents synthesize answers to complex problems, especially when those answers don’t live in one document or even one content system.
Next Steps:
Explore AI options that integrate with your existing tools. Look for solutions that require minimal training and provide immediate value.
5. Coding Without the Headaches
Coding has traditionally been the domain of developers, but AI is democratizing the field. Low-code and no-code platforms, powered by AI, are enabling employees without technical expertise to build apps, automate workflows, and contribute to IT projects.
According to Gartner, 75% of software engineers will use low-code or no-code tools for application development by 2028. This trend is opening new doors for innovation and collaboration across departments.
The Big Advantage:
Developers can focus on complex, strategic projects while other team members use AI-powered tools to tackle smaller, routine tasks. This dual approach enhances productivity and accelerates project timelines.
Practical Tips:
Introduce low-code platforms that are easy to use and provide guardrails to prevent errors. Ensure your IT teams are on board to support adoption and integration.
Relevant Reading: 5 Guaranteed Ways Digital Leaders Win With Low-code Search
6. Workflows That Finally Flow
Disconnected tools and siloed systems have long plagued workplace efficiency. AI is stepping in as the glue that holds workflows together, creating smoother, more connected processes. From surfacing insights to automating approvals, AI eliminates roadblocks and keeps work moving seamlessly.
A Deloitte report highlights that 42% of organizations report efficiency, productivity, and cost reduction as their most essential benefits achieved through AI adoption. This underscores the importance of investing in tools that optimize collaboration and streamline tasks.
Quick Wins for Leaders:
- Identify bottlenecks in your current workflows and evaluate where AI could make a difference.
- Focus on solutions that integrate with existing systems rather than replacing them entirely.
7. AI Isn’t Optional Anymore
Companies embracing AI are gaining a significant competitive edge. From automating tasks to enhancing decision-making, AI is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s a necessity. According to IDC (International Data Corporation), global spending on AI systems is expected to surpass $300 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.5% from 2022 to 2026.
What This Means for You:
Organizations that fail to adopt AI risk falling behind as their competitors gain exponential efficiency, customer experience, and innovation advantages.
Key Takeaway:
Now is the time if you haven’t started integrating AI into your workplace. Begin with small, impactful changes, and build from there.
Putting It All Together: Workplaces That Work for Everyone
The trends shaping 2025 go beyond technology. They’re about creating environments where people can thrive, supported by tools that enhance — not hinder — their work. Personalized content delivery, advanced learning formats, AI tools, and seamless workflows are just a few ways organizations can prepare for the future.
Your Next Steps:
Start small. Whether you implement personalized content delivery or experiment with AI copilots, every step you take brings your organization closer to a workplace that’s ready for 2025 and beyond.
Final Thought:
The future of work isn’t something to wait for — it’s something to build. By embracing these trends now, you’ll create a workplace that’s not just prepared for the future but sets the standard for others to follow.
Learn more about how Coveo AI can connect and upskill your digital workplace now, and for the future.