Experts are saying a seismic change in the workforce will occur in 2025. After the coronavirus hit in 2019, the workforce has become wonky. People have opted for remote and hybrid positions that allow for better work/life balance. Others have joined The Great Resignation. So, what now?

Top analysts are sharing their statements that suggest the workforce will be shaken up yet again. In 2025, they predict a significant number of people are going to be switching their careers. So what is causing this new shift to happen now?

Here are a few key factors to consider why your workforce will change in 2025:

The Statistics

The Global Talent Barometer from Manpower Group states that 35% of workers are contemplating changing their jobs this year. This whopping number would cause shockwaves to their respective employers.

Over 12,000 employees were surveyed across 16 different countries. The age group between 18 and 27 years old resulted in an astounding 47% being interested in switching their careers. 41% of employees also reported they are likely to change positions even though they are mostly satisfied with their work/life balance.

What is Causing This Shift?

Although around 80% of employees find some degree of purpose and meaning in their work, over half endure day-to-day stress and anxiety as a result of their work. Many of those surveyed also believe they lack any true advancement opportunities in their current positions. This means their wages are stuck while inflation and the cost of living continue to rise.

These situations are causing many of your best-and-brightest employees to reconsider and reevaluate their professional paths. A large majority of workers are searching to find positions that highlight the following:

  • Mentorship
  • Job advancement opportunities and wage growth
  • Training
  • Work/life balance

Over 59% of surveyed employees revealed they were not taught new skills or received any training within the last 6 months. Even fewer claimed they do not have a mentor or coach in their current positions.

What To Know

The United States “quit rate” has remained constant at 2.1%. This is not quite as high as during The Great Resignation, where the rate increased to over 3% when millions of employees walked off their jobs in search of a better work/life balance.

2024 offered a more stable job market, with employees not leaving as frequently. This is referred to as The Great Stay. However, people are still seeking the changes they sought during COVID: More work-from-home opportunities and higher pay.

Human resources experts expect more people to explore opportunities in new careers and different positions. Resumetemplates.com revealed that 6 in 10 employees are looking for new positions this year, and 1 in 3 will quit regardless if they have a new position to beforehand.

The mindset of Americans was forever been altered by the Covid pandemic. There is no going back to the mentality of “Be happy and show-up to your 9 to 5 position no matter what.” People are tired, they want better pay, and a healthier work/life balance. People want to enjoy their lives while they still can. The new motto is “Live for Today!” Flexibility is key to the majority of employees and, thus, the key for employers to keep their best talent.

What Happens Next

Top analysts suggest the labor market in 2025 will improve with another strong year ahead. This includes cooling inflation. Should this be the case, experts believe employees will be more motivated to leave their positions and seek higher pay, work-from-home options, and more flexibility.

If you are considering leaving your current role, it would be wise to consider the following before jumping ship:

Don’t quit without another job signed, sealed and delivered

Go on interviews. Do not leave your current position until you have secured a new job.

Save your funds

If you aim to leave your current position, save-up your money before you jump ship. You may be taking a pay cut to receive the flexibility you desire. It is imperative to have a reasonable savings nest just in case.

Plan ahead first

If you are unsure of your next first, do not leap without a safety net. Take time and be diligent in planning your next moves.

Bottom Line

With over half of Americans looking to change their positions, the need for flexibility, work-from-home opportunities, and more money stays consistent.

This projected seismic shift in a changing workforce follows the path previously laid during the COVID era, where people were more satisfied working remotely. If employees do not have room to advance or mentorship in their current roles, they are likely to quit and look elsewhere in 2025. People are no longer interested in merely working a 9-5—they also want to find joy and purpose in their work as well as enjoy their lives.