The year ahead for HR seems all but certain to be dominated by the three “Ts” — technology, Trump and transparency — according to industry leaders who spoke to HR Dive for the 2025 edition of our annual trends series.
Specifically, artificial intelligence is poised to take its next leap with increased implications for hiring, both for job candidates and recruiters. The technology may significantly reduce the size of some HR departments by automating HR processes.
The ascendance of President Donald Trump and his political movement promises to drive conversations around immigration and the building of global workforces. Meanwhile, Trump’s outspoken opposition of diversity, equity and inclusion programs has emboldened prominent anti-DEI activists, forcing large organizations to choose between rolling back, rebranding or maintaining their DEI programs.
On the benefits front, employers will continue to contend with the wave of state and local pay transparency laws as well as a sustained push for flexibility despite the return-to-office trend.
Read on below as we lay out the HR landscape for 2025.