Every year, SAP SuccessFactors pulls together one of the most well-researched, psychology-driven HR trends reports out there. Dr. Lauren Bidwell and her team of applied psychologists have done the work so you don’t have to—sifting through over 40 top business sources, extracting 250+ micro-trends, and boiling it all down to 5 major meta-trends that are shaping the world of work.
But let’s cut through the fluff. Here’s what actually matters, what’s coming next, and how HR leaders should be thinking about it—in plain language.
Meta-Trend #1: Reconnecting the Disconnected Employee
Let’s be real—disconnection at work is no longer about “quiet quitting” or people working from coffee shops. It’s bigger. Trust has broken down, people are burned out, and policies feel more contentious than collaborative.
The fix? Back to basics: psychological safety, fair pay, wellbeing, and (shocker) good communication from managers. HR’s job isn’t to reinvent the wheel—it’s to actually support managers with training, tools, and a direct line to hear (and elevate) employee concerns.
Meta-Trend #2: Moving from AI Hype to AI Impact
Everyone’s got an AI pilot. Few have proven impact. That’s the vibe.
In 2025, the best HR teams will stop chasing use cases and start asking: what outcomes do we want AI to drive?
Employees want time savings. HR wants efficiency. CFOs want ROI. Oh, and half your workforce thinks the time AI saves them should be theirs to use, not the company’s. 👀 HR needs to bridge that expectation gap with clarity and a real framework.
Meta-Trend #3: Striking a Balance to Steer Skills Forward
AI’s moving fast, and so is the need for new skills. But here’s the catch: only one-third of orgs are seriously moving toward skills-based hiring.
Employees love the idea of skills-based pay. Organizations? Not so sure (hello, retention anxiety). If you’re worried they’ll leave after learning new skills, maybe it’s time to rethink how you reward growth—retention-based RSUs, anyone?
Also: AI literacy is now a must. Not just knowing what ChatGPT is—but how to use, apply, and evaluate AI ethically and effectively.
Meta-Trend #4: Divesting or Doubling Down on DEI&B
This one’s messy. Lawsuits, regulations, and political tension have made DEI&B feel riskier. Some orgs are scaling back. Others are going deeper—but more quietly.
We’re entering an era of value-based culture. People are choosing employers that reflect their worldview. HR’s challenge? Be intentional about your DEI&B strategy and understand the long-term impact it could have on attraction, retention, and internal culture.
Meta-Trend #5: Plugging Into or Pulling the Plug on Hybrid Work
Hybrid isn’t going away—but how your company approaches it could shape your talent brand.
Some orgs are forcing return-to-office. Others are embracing flexibility. Most are still figuring it out. What research does say? Hybrid tends to support individual wellbeing better than rigid models, especially when paired with autonomy and trust.
It’s not just about where people work. It’s about giving them more agency in how they work.
Final thoughts
- Focus less on trends, more on human needs
- Support managers like they’re your end user
- Turn AI into outcomes—not just experiments
- Reward skills, not just tenure
- Lead with values (and be ready for scrutiny)
- Don’t kill autonomy. Double down on it
Want to go deeper? Download the full HR Trends report from SAP SuccessFactors. It’s not fluff—it’s the future.