The challenge for the workplace in 2025: transformation when everybody is already tired of change

In 2025, human resource leaders say they will be focusing on navigating the complexities of workplace transformation, at a time when most people say they are already worn out by change. This is one of the key findings from the Gartner HR Priorities Survey [registration] of over 1,400 HR leaders from 60 countries and a range of industries. The report highlights five pivotal areas—leader and manager development, organisational culture, strategic workforce planning, change management, and HR technology—as central to driving change in an evolving business landscape.

Leader and manager development has emerged as the foremost priority, with 75 percent of HR leaders identifying expanding managerial responsibilities as a key challenge. Despite 76 percent of organisations revising their leadership programmes, only 36 percent consider these efforts effective. Gartner advocates for a relational approach to leadership training, emphasising peer connection and practical application to equip leaders for the future.

Although 97 percent of chief HR officers say they are aiming to transform their organisational culture, less than a quarter of employees understand how cultural values translate to their daily roles in the workplace. Experts recommend embedding culture through clear communication of values, behaviours, and processes to enhance engagement, performance, and retention.

Workforce planning remains largely reactive, with 66 percent of HR leaders admitting their strategies are confined to headcount planning. Gartner suggests a phased, capability-focused approach, allowing organisations to anticipate talent needs beyond immediate staffing requirements. Companies like Merck are cited as examples, successfully addressing workforce challenges by narrowing their focus on actionable, strategically relevant projects.

The increasing frequency of organisational changes has led to widespread change fatigue, negatively impacting employee engagement and psychological safety. Gartner highlights the importance of leveraging change influencers within organisations to foster a sense of ownership and resilience, as seen in Allstate’s network-driven approach to improving change adoption.

While HR technology promises transformation, only a fraction of organisations report measurable business value from their investments. Gartner advises shifting from a capacity-focused mindset to strategic partnerships with technology vendors, as demonstrated by the City of Sydney. Their approach reduced administrative tasks by 27 percent and boosted end-user adoption by fostering proactive collaboration with technology providers.