English 
Vietnamese As we hurtle towards 2025, it is clear that business leaders are facing unprecedented changes across technological progress, workforce dynamics, consumer preferences, and geopolitics landscape. Drawing from current trends and emerging patterns, here are 25 predictions that reshape the business environment in 2025 and beyond.
Contents
- Technology and Innovation
- Workforce and Workplace
- Market and Consumer Trends
- Geopolitics and Macroeconomics
Technology and Innovation
AI enters the C-suite
Artificial intelligence is already transforming industries. But from 2025 and beyond, understanding AI won't be optional for executives. The boards will expect C-level leaders to demonstrate practical knowledge of AI capabilities, limitations, and strategic implications.
We'll see the emergence of "AI-fluent leadership" certification programs and executive education focused specifically on AI-powered governance.
Hybrid AI-Human Teams Become Standard
Businesses will systematically structure teams around human-AI partnerships, combining the best of both worlds. As a result, more job descriptions will clearly outline human-AI interaction points, and effectiveness in AI collaboration will be included as a performance metric.
IoT Cyber Security Comes Under the Spotlight
The Internet of Things (IoT) will continue to generate vast amounts of data, offering businesses a treasure trove of insights into operations, customer behavior, and market trends. However, as we become increasingly reliant on connected devices, we'll need to address the very real concerns around privacy and security.
The recent incident where hackers took control of Ecovacs robot vacuums across multiple US cities serves as a stark reminder of the growing IoT cyber security risks.
The Quantum Leap Awaits
Quantum computing, a technology with the potential to solve complex problems exponentially faster than current computers, is still in its infancy and at least a few years away from true commercial viability.
Still, there are predictions that enterprise-grade quantum computing can start generating business value around 2025, and full-scale commercialization can be achieved as soon as 2030.
While its full impact on businesses remains to be seen, one thing is clear: quantum computing will disrupt industries like pharmaceuticals, materials science, and cybersecurity in profound ways.
Zero-Trust Security Becomes Universal
Zero-trust security frameworks will become the universal standard for corporate security, fundamentally changing how organisations manage access and protect assets.
Edge Computing Reshapes Operations
Edge computing continues to transform industrial operations, enabling real-time decision-making and autonomous systems at the point of action.
Workforce and Workplace
Skills-Based Hiring Overtakes Degrees
Traditional degree requirements will continue to be replaced by skills-based assessments and portfolios. Consequently, companies will start developing sophisticated skills evaluation frameworks, and alternative credentials will gain equal footing with university degrees.
Micro-Multinationals Emerge
Small companies are increasingly capable of operating globally through digital platforms, creating a new category of "micro-multinationals" that compete effectively with larger corporations thanks to agility and innovation.
Return to Office Gains Ground
While remote work has gained popularity because of the pandemic, organisations are increasingly adopting return-to-the-office policies, with a mix of approaches including full-time in-office, hybrid, and remote work models.
There are several factors driving this trend, such as companies believing that in-person collaboration fosters stronger team bonds and innovation. In addition, more Gen Z employees may actually prefer in-office work as they crave social interaction and mentorship.
Conversely, many employees have adapted well to remote work and value the flexibility it offers. Besides, economic downturns can lead to increased remote work as companies seek to cut costs.
The 2024 U.S. presidential election may have a great impact on this trend, as president-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering forcing 2+ million of federal employees out of remote work and back to the 5-day in-office working policy.
While there's no definitive answer on whether this trend will accelerate in 2025, it is something business leaders should keep an eye on.
Four-Day Workweek Goes Mainstream
Following successful pilots worldwide, 2025 might be the year when four-day workweek becomes a competitive differentiator in talent acquisition. Whether this policy leads to increased productivity and employee satisfaction will determine if it can get accelerated adoption across industries.
Middle Management Undergoes Transformation
Middle management is facing a rocky future as recent surveys show Gen Z employees are less interested in mid-level management roles. Additionally, many traditional middle management tasks are increasingly automated through AI.
We expect 2025 to see middle management positions evolving into "human-AI orchestrator" roles, focusing on innovation, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving.
Furthermore, more companies may opt for a flat, team-based structure instead of a traditional hierarchical one.
ESG Metrics Tie to Compensation
Executive compensation packages are expected to include substantial ESG-linked components, with clear metrics for environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance effectiveness.
The Skill Gap Continues to Grow
As technological change accelerates, we'll see a growing skills gap that will require continuous learning and upskilling. Businesses will need to invest in training and development programs that help their workforce stay competitive.
Mental Health Benefits Achieve Parity
Companies might start offering comprehensive mental health support comparable to physical health benefits, such as proactive wellness programs, therapy allowances, and mental health sabbaticals.
Market and Consumer Trends
5G Technology Becomes Standard
It is estimated that 80 per cent of the global population will be covered by 5G networks by 2029. And 2025 might be the year when 5G becomes the standard choice for most consumers worldwide.
The widespread adoption of 5G technology will enable faster data transfer speeds, lower latency, and greater network capacity, making innovative applications such as extended reality and autonomous vehicles possible.
Circular Economy Adoption Rises
Going green must move beyond mere PR and marketing ploys in order to stay relevant. Being sustainable should go hand in hand with being profitable. That is the mantra behind circular economy.
With the increased adoption of circular economic initiatives, companies can transform waste reduction and recycling programs into profitable ventures. Circular business models will become significant revenue generators rather than cost centers.
Extended Reality Rises in Popularity
Extended reality (XR) - encompassing technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) – have struggled to gain widespread consumer adoption despite it being touted the next big thing.
But XR is gradually gaining traction in enterprise applications, especially in the manufacturing sectors like semiconductor fabrication and automobiles. Will 2025 be the year when XR truly takes off?
Decarbonisation Guides Investment Decisions
Decarbonisation, the action of reducing carbon dioxide output from business activities, is not just good for the planet, it is crucial to the bottom line.
That is why we can expect to see decarbonisation play a central role in companies’ financial and operational decisions in 2025 and beyond.
Crypto Currencies Enter Corporate Treasury
Bitcoin's price has recently reached a historic high, fueled by President-elect Donald Trump's promise to turn the U.S. into the “crypto capital of the planet."
As a result of this potential shift in crypto currency regulatory stance, major corporations are expected to routinely hold crypto currencies in their treasury operations, with new frameworks for managing digital asset risks and opportunities.
Blockchain Gains Traction
Blockchain’s potential goes far beyond digital currencies. It is poised to revolutionize supply chain management, financial services, and data security – enabling greater transparency, efficiency, and trust in business transactions.
Subscription-Based Services Face Challenges
Subscription models have dominated business strategy for years. But now, we're witnessing pushbacks from both consumers and businesses. Will 2025 be the year when subscription fatigue really takes its toll?
A survey finds 55 per cent of respondents have between 4 to 10 monthly subscriptions. Even worse, two-thirds said they have subscriptions they forgot about. The situation gets so bad that physical media such as DVDs is in fashion again.
Even businesses are having second thoughts about the inevitability of subscription-based software systems. Some are now bringing select workloads back on-premises or opting for hybrid approaches in a so-called cloud repatriation phenomenon.
Geopolitics and Macroeconomics
Trade Wars Loom Large
The incoming U.S. administration's focus on tariffs has increased the risk of global trade tensions and potential trade wars.
Even before U.S. election, there have been other signs of global trade barriers. One notable example is the European Union (EU) increased tariffs on electric vehicles made in China.
With the rise of economic populism across many major powers, one can only expect heightened risks to global trade into 2025 and beyond.
Global Reshoring Accelerates
Ever since his first term as the President of the United States, Donald Trump has made moving business activities, especially in the manufacturing sector, one of his key priorities. When he returns to the White House next year, this trend is expected to only accelerate even more.
But that is not the only reason behind the rise of reshoring - the practice of bringing outsourced production back to home countries.
The global supply chain disruptions during and right after the pandemic have incentivized businesses to shorten their supply chains and shift manufacturing operations closer to where the goods are sold.
Economic Uncertainty Deepens
From the looming trade war between the US and China to stagnant growth in the UK and the Eurozone, economic volatility is on the rise. Companies need to prepare for possible downturns. This means focusing on cost-efficiency, streamlining operations, and remaining adaptable to changing market conditions.
Inflation and Interest Rates
The second half of 2024 was characterized by receding inflation and interest rates across the globe. Will this trend continue in 2025? Early signs point in that direction, as central banks attempt to walk the fine line between achieving a soft landing and avoiding recession.
Conclusion
The year 2025 promises to be another period of significant change and disruption for businesses. By understanding and anticipating these trends, business executives can position their organisations for success in the years to come. Adaptability, innovation, and a growth mindset will be key to long-term success.
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