As we look toward 2025, workplaces continue to evolve in response to shifting employee expectations, technological advances, and the influence of recent social and economic shifts. Today’s employees are more attuned to what they value in their work environments than ever, and organizations that take advantage of these growing trends will engage and retain top talent.
Here’s a closer look at the key workplace trends expected to matter most to employees in 2025.
Workplace Trends In 2025
1. Work-Life Balance and Flexible Work Schedules
The trend of flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid options continues to grow as employees look for opportunities that offer the freedom to manage personal responsibilities alongside their professional obligations. A 2023 report found that flexibility is a key indicator of whether an employee is happy at work. In addition, remote work provides higher earnings, better work-life balance, and increased productivity for many with 52% of U.S. remote workers feeling more productive at home.
Certain industries are more inclined towards remote work trends than others. For instance, sectors like technology, digital media, and finance are leading the charge. Interestingly, the reality is that employers tend to be more in favor of the hybrid work model than a fully remote one.
In addition to flexible work schedules, paid time off (PTO) is an increasingly important employee benefit. The ability to take time off without the stress of work piling up or fear of repercussions has a direct impact on employee well-being and job satisfaction.
2. Mental Health and Wellness Programs Will Be Essential
In recent years, employee mental health has become a top priority, and it will remain a top priority in 2025 as access to mental health resources and wellness initiatives will be a basic expectation. While the stigma around discussing mental health issues has significantly decreased in recent years, employees will expect companies to take a more proactive approach.
With only about half of Gen Zs (51%) and millennials (56%) rating their mental health as good or extremely good, employees are increasingly vocal about the need for mental health resources and work-life balance. Additionally, 92% of workers say it’s important to work for an organization that values their emotional and psychological well-being, and 93% of workers value well-being as much as salary.
As employers recognize that a healthy, well-supported workforce is more engaged and productive, many large U.S. employers are shuffling their employee benefits priorities for 2025 and prioritizing efforts to control rising healthcare costs.
3. Career Development and Growth Opportunities
In 2025, employees will be more interested in jobs that offer development training outside of their functional job areas. As the workforce becomes more dynamic and competitive, employees are seeking opportunities to advance their skills, take on new challenges, and grow within their roles.
Employees expect personalized development plans that align with their career goals and aspirations that fit into their schedules, especially with the continued rise of remote and hybrid work. While 74% of workers report that a lack of development opportunities prevents them from reaching their full potential, employers who provide mentorship programs, leadership training, and upskilling opportunities are attracting top talent and significantly boosting employee retention.
4. Purpose-Driven Work
In 2025, having a sense of purpose will be key to workplace satisfaction and well-being because employees consider purpose-driven work no longer a perk but a core element of their workplace engagement. Whether through sustainable business practices or community outreach, employees want to know that their contributions are part of something bigger.
This trend is particularly prominent among younger generations who are more likely to prioritize values-driven employment over financial incentives alone. 86% of Gen Z and 89% of millennials say having a sense of purpose is very or somewhat important to their overall job satisfaction and well-being.
Franchise Ownership: A Path To Embracing These Workplace Trends
Franchise ownership offers a unique opportunity to embrace these emerging work trends while building a successful business. As a franchise owner, you can provide flexible work arrangements for yourself and your team, prioritize mental well-being, encourage better work-life balance, and create an environment that values growth and purpose. And if you’re looking for a career change, no prior experience is required to own your own franchise business.
Neighborly: Leading the Way in Franchise Opportunities
If you want a franchise opportunity that takes advantage of the future of work trends, Neighborly® is an excellent option. As a global leader in home services franchising, Neighborly offers a range of franchise opportunities designed to help owners thrive. With 19 brands in North America, Neighborly empowers franchise owners with the tools and support they need to succeed while fostering a culture of well-being, growth, and social responsibility.
Neighborly’s A-list of franchises provides a proven track record of excellence and results while offering attractive options to the changing workplace, including a home-based business model, professional development, and purpose-driven work. Neighborly’s Code of Values provides a strong company ethic that prioritizes customers and the employees who accomplish the work.
Download The Entrepreneur's Guide to Personal and Professional Freedom today and find out how you can make a change that satisfies your career goals and ambitions while providing you with the right work-life balance for ultimate fulfillment.
