From AI to workplace conflict - 4 key trends for 2025

Written By Rosie Turner, Cofounder InChorus

As another year tears past, we’re looking at four major trends that we see shaping the way organisations operate. Credit to Solange Charas at Forbes for sharing some of her insights.

👉 The rise of transparency in governance.

👉 Addressing the talent shortage.

👉 AI moving from tool to teammate.

👉 Navigating workplace divides.

Each presents unique challenges—and opportunities. From balancing accountability with impact to harnessing AI as a strategic partner, the choices leaders make today will define their organisations' future.

1. Transparency vs. Opacity


Organisations will polarise into “light” organisations that embrace transparency, ESG, DEI, and robust governance—attracting purpose-driven employees and customers. Or “dark” organisations that cut corners on accountability and scale back values-driven initiatives, risking long-term reputational damage.


What can leaders can do?

  • Focus on building transparent organisations with strong speak up cultures

  • Look at how this connects to the Worker Protection Act

  • Ensure you have reporting channels in place that make it safe for employees to raise concerns. In particular, consider anonymous routes.

2. Deepening Talent Crisis

We continue to see a deepening talent crisis as a result of macroeconomic factors and challenges in upskilling employees. 


What can leaders do?

  • Invest in upskilling and AI to boost productivity.

  • Strengthen internal pipelines for resilience.

3. AI as a Collaborator


AI is moving from tool to teammate—but HR adoption is lagging. While 34% of marketing departments regularly use GenAI, only 12% of HR departments have adopted it, and just a third of HR leaders are exploring potential use cases.

What can leaders do?

  • Explore upskilling HR teams to identify high value use cases for AI adoption

  • Explore GenAI to enhance recruitment, learning, and employee engagement


4. Workforce Polarisation

Political and social divides are spilling into workplaces, challenging DEI and ESG efforts. This is particularly prevalent amongst our US clients and colleagues. 

What can leaders do?  

  • Consider training managers in conflict resolution and difficult conversations. 

  • Ensure that you have anonymous reporting channels in place.

  • Explore the work of our partner Byrne Dean around tolerance, kinder workforces and de-escalation.

Rosie Turner, Cofounder InChorus
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The Worker Protection Act Trap