12 Dec 2025 Workforce Trends and Predictions + How a Staffing Agency Can Help
The workforce is constantly evolving, driven by emerging trends in the job market and shifts in employee expectations. As these changes occur, it’s crucial for employers to stay informed and adapt to meet new demands.
Take a look at some of the trends and predictions that experts have for the job market in 2025, how they might affect your hiring decisions, and how staffing agencies like Masis Staffing Solutions can help you face potential challenges.
- Prediction: The Use of Artificial Intelligence Will Continue To Rise
Artificial intelligence (AI) is on the rise and will only continue to grow moving forward. It has changed the way that work is done, from enhancing productivity to automating tasks. While AI can be a great tool for optimization, one of the key elements of hiring is the human touch; networking and building connections throughout the recruiting and onboarding process.
Research from Lighthouse Research and Advisory reports that 57.3% of job candidates would prefer to either have a live video or in-person interview with a recruiter or hiring team, versus 34.1% who solely prefer in-person interviews. Only 8.5% of candidates expressed interest in pre-recording an interview for potential employers. This indicates that while AI and technology use is on the rise during the hiring process, candidates would much rather work directly with recruiters or hiring managers than undergo a pre-recorded video interview – or have their resumes screened by an AI tool.
Businesses who want to stay ahead should continue integrating AI tools, such as Large Language Models (LLMs) and automation, in their processes to optimize client and candidate experiences. However, when it comes to interacting with candidates, employers should continue to provide direct contact options. Those who find a balance of AI use and personalized experiences will thrive in 2025.
Staffing firms can assist in this balance by leveraging their expertise in both technology and human-centered hiring practices. Streamlining or automating repetitive tasks such as resume screening, scheduling, and skill assessments, while preserving the essential human element in processes such as interviews, candidate feedback, and relationship building is a capability often already established by staffing firms. They can also offer insights into specific industry trends, helping businesses adopt AI solutions effectively without sacrificing the personal interactions that build trust and engagement with candidates.
- Trend: “The Great Stay”
A growing trend among employees, according to Forbes, is “The Great Stay.” Instead of searching for new opportunities or moving to different positions, employees are staying in positions to avoid the uncertain job market, retain their benefits, and feel a general sense of comfort or familiarity in their current roles.
“The Great Stay” trend has its benefits, including reduced turnover rates and employees finding value and happiness in their jobs. However, it could also lead to employee stagnation, disengagement, and low flexibility.
As an employer, you can address potential challenges brought on by “The Great Stay” by encouraging your employees to continue learning new skills, promoting engagement through workplace activities and events, and asking employees for feedback on ways to improve their work environment and increase satisfaction.
Flexible staffing solutions can help by assisting you in finding better long-term employment fits, developing or enhancing retention programs that foster career growth, and supporting the development of strategies such as succession planning or workforce scaling for peak seasons.
Embracing this trend with the help of staffing firms strengthens retention, and also positions employers as attractive destinations for top talent. By focusing on longevity and mutual success, employers and employees alike can create a thriving, sustainable workplace environment.
- Prediction: Skills-Based Hiring Needs Will Increase
Skills-based hiring is rapidly emerging as a critical trend in recruitment, enabling employers to focus on what candidates can do, rather than specific qualifications like degree completion or years of experience. By prioritizing demonstrable skills, organizations can identify talent more effectively and open doors to candidates from diverse backgrounds who may have been overlooked in traditional hiring processes.
Focusing on skills rather than rigid hiring requirements also allows you to provide opportunities for your employees to “upskill” or refine and gain new skills as time goes on through training programs or industry-specific certifications.
Businesses can ensure that a candidate has the skills needed to perform a role by having them undergo screening tests, complete practice projects, or earn certifications. Overall, this approach fosters inclusivity, innovation, and a broader pool of qualified applicants.
Staffing firms can play a pivotal role in helping businesses transition to and thrive within a skills-based hiring framework. With their extensive networks and expertise, they can assist you in identifying candidates with the right skill sets, leveraging tools to ensure alignment with job requirements. With a staffing partner, organizations can streamline the implementation of skills-based hiring while accessing a more diverse and qualified talent pool.
As industries become increasingly dynamic and technology rapidly evolves, the ability to pivot toward skills-based hiring will be essential. Organizations that embrace this strategy and mindset will be better positioned to adapt to market changes, harness diverse talent, and build resilient teams capable of driving long-term success.
- Trend: Workplace Demographics Will Continue To Shift
As workplace dynamics continue to evolve, staying attuned to shifting demographics and worker preferences is crucial for employers aiming to remain competitive.
According to Staffing Hub, workplace demographics, such as hybrid and remote work, that began to shift amid the COVID-19 pandemic will continue as demand increases. Many workers, especially those in Generation Z, prefer the flexibility of working from home or only going into the office a few days a week and are actively seeking out job opportunities with those offerings.
While hybrid and remote models may be ever-shifting, the continued rise of gig and flexible contract work is reshaping the modern workforce. Many professionals are opting for freelance or short-term contracts to maintain greater control over their schedules and career trajectories.
This shift offers businesses a unique advantage: the ability to engage specialized talent on demand for specific projects or roles. By embracing gig and contract work, employers can quickly adapt to changing needs, reduce overhead costs associated with full-time staff, and remain competitive in a dynamic labor market.
Navigating these shifting workplace demographics requires expertise in sourcing and managing diverse talent pools. Staffing firms can provide support by identifying candidates who thrive in hybrid or remote work environments and connecting businesses with skilled professionals for gig or contract roles. Their ability to streamline the recruitment process and match businesses with flexible talent ensures organizations can quickly adapt to evolving needs while maintaining a competitive edge in the labor market.
Trends are almost always subject to change but are a great guidepost for what’s to come! If you’re a company looking to hire new employees, or a candidate searching for your next role, staying ahead of these trends and predictions just might help you on your journey as you gain a better understanding of the current job market.
If you’re looking for a staffing company with over 25 years of experience in the employment industry, Masis Staffing Solutions provides unparalleled service.
Contact us today to learn how our team of experts can help you find the perfect position or candidate!
