Chief People Officers Outlook September 2025

9Chief People Officers Outlook Adapting to a changing workforce New priorities, new tensions Chief people officers consulted for this briefing pointed to shifting workforce expectations as an influential factor shaping talent strategies in mid-2025. Today’s workers – especially younger generations – are seen to be entering and navigating the labour market with new priorities and expectations, particularly focused on flexibility and purpose. As one chief people officer observed, “today’s talent is confident, well informed and unapologetically selective. They’re clear about what they want and willing to walk away from what doesn’t serve them.” While expectations evolve, low vacancy rates in many regions and industries create a talent landscape marked by both increased agency and growing precarity. Beyond individual preferences, chief people officers consulted for this briefing observe deeper social and psychological shifts affecting the workplace. They cite: –Rising mental health concerns –Growing value polarization within the workplace Technology is perceived as continuing to amplify these trends, changing how people work, communicate and connect with organizations. In response, some people leaders are calling for a renewed emphasis on collective values, re-establishing shared purpose and team cohesion. The current challenge is to actively reinforce cohesion and company culture in increasingly diverse, fragmented and digitally mediated workplaces to sustain engagement and performance. Chief people officer perspective