Tech Talent 2025: Trends Reshaping the Workforce
By: Victoria Allwright, IT Services Director, Experis UK
In an era where technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, understanding the trends that will shape the workforce is crucial for C-Suite leaders.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, 44% of workers’ skills will be disrupted by 2027, with AI and automation driving the most significant changes. Furthermore, McKinsey estimates that by 2030, demand for technological skills will increase by 55% compared to 2020 levels.
Last week I had the pleasure of hosting our Tech Talent 2025 – Trends Reshaping the Workforce webinar alongside industry experts, discussing the future of tech talent and how organisations can stay ahead of the curve.
Here’s an overview of the key trends, challenges and strategies that will define the tech talent landscape in the coming years.
Key trends from 2024
- Technology adoption:
- AI & automation: 75% of organisations have adopted some form of AI-driven workforce automation, highlighting the critical role of AI in enhancing productivity and efficiency (Gartner, 2024).
- Remote and hybrid work:
- Workplace flexibility: According to a 2024 McKinsey report, 60% of companies reported an increase in hybrid work adoption, with 40% of tech firms shifting to fully remote operations. This shift underscores the importance of flexible work arrangements in attracting and retaining top talent.
- Skills demand:
- In-demand skills: Cybersecurity, AI/ML engineering, and cloud computing remained the top three most sought-after skills. Despite economic challenges, global tech employment grew by 6.2% in 2024, demonstrating the sector’s resilience. (LinkedIn Talent Report, 2024; CompTIA, 2024).
Looking ahead to 2025
The future of tech talent is set to be shaped by emerging technologies such as generative AI, quantum computing and advanced automation. These innovations will create new job roles and demand new skills, making it imperative for organisations to adapt their talent strategies accordingly.
To help bring our conversation to life I was joined by an incredible panel of experts, who each brought unique insights into how technology is redefining talent acquisition, workforce planning, and organisational agility across four key areas.
Laura Foster: Associate Director for Technology and Innovation at techUK
Reskilling imperative: “The innovation gap is ultimately a reskilling gap. Businesses must invest in long-term reskilling initiatives to ensure their workforce remains competitive. Tech companies like IBM are leading the way by committing to train millions in AI skills.” Furthermore, PwC’s Workforce of the Future study reveals that 79% of CEOs are concerned about the availability of key skills, reinforcing the urgency for reskilling efforts.
Robert Enright: Global Leader for Advisory Services in Intelligent Talent Operations at IBM
AI integration: ”There is a need for organisations to balance AI investment with building a capable workforce, applying employee and outcome-centric approaches to successfully integrate AI into the workforce.”
Karina Arteaga: Tech Strategy Leader with experience at Meta and VMware.
Team transformation: “AI is causing significant shifts in team structures and activities. In the future, upskilling and defining activities suitable for AI versus human talent to maximise productivity and innovation will become increasingly important.”
Workforce transformation strategies
To stay competitive, organisations must embrace workforce transformation strategies that prioritise diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning:
- Diversity and inclusion: Fostering a sense of belonging and unleashing creativity are key to retaining tech talent. Diverse teams are 36% more likely to outperform their competitors and make better decisions 87% of the time.
- HR involvement: HR must be involved in shaping business strategies to ensure workforce planning aligns with evolving skill requirements. This collaboration is essential for creating a future-ready workforce.
Human-centric workforce planning
Maintaining a human-centric approach to workforce planning is crucial for leveraging AI and automation responsibly:
- Job redesign: Real transformation happens when jobs are redesigned to create value for both employees and customers. This approach ensures that AI integration enhances rather than disrupts the workforce.
- Governance and structure: Effective governance and structured implementation of AI are necessary to address the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies.
The future of AI & recruitment
The recruitment process for tech talent is evolving, with a shift towards agile, data-driven and skills-focused approaches:
- AI in recruitment: While AI for selection and sourcing is often oversold, its true value lies in shaping onboarding, learning and career pathways. Organisations must adopt agile recruitment models to stay ahead in the competitive tech talent market.
- Deep tech talent development: Organisations should build relationships with educational institutions to develop a pipeline of talent for deep tech roles. Flexibility in hiring and career pathways is essential for attracting and retaining top talent.
Leadership’s role in tech strategy
C-Suite leaders play a pivotal role in crafting effective technology strategies that drive workforce transformation:
- Adaptability and problem-solving: Leadership focus has shifted towards adaptability and problem-solving skills. Continuous learning and flexibility are essential for navigating the rapidly changing tech landscape.
- Strategic planning: Leaders must think strategically about the roles and skills needed in the future, ensuring their organisations are prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Conclusion
As we look towards 2025, the tech talent landscape will be defined by rapid technological advancements and evolving workforce dynamics. Leaders must prioritise reskilling, embrace diversity and inclusion and adopt agile recruitment and workforce planning strategies to stay competitive. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, organisations can ensure they are well-positioned to thrive in the future of work.
Experis is here to help you navigate these changes, providing the skilled professionals and workforce solutions needed to drive digital transformation, optimise performance and future-proof your organisation. Let’s work together to build a workforce that’s ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead!
