Top 5 trends shaping the future of work in 2025?
For UK-based digital businesses and challenger brands 2025 is shaping up to be a year full of exciting opportunities. From AI to office culture, here are the top 5 trends I see shaping this space in the year ahead:
1. US tech companies moving to London
London has long been a tech hub, As a global AI leader, London remains a top destination for US companies looking to establish their European headquarters. With one of the largest digital talent-rich workforces in the world, and a thriving ecosystem of AI, fintech, and digital scaleups, London continues to attract big names.
Expect a surge in AI and Fintech jobs this year as international companies eye the UK for expansion.
2. 2025’s high growth roles
AI, fintech, crypto, blockchain, and digital health – these sectors are growing right now.
According to PWC, the demand for AI expertise is expanding 5x faster than other job sectors.
Roles in demand? AI Engineers, Data Scientists, Machine Learning Specialists, and Sales & Marketing for AI and Crypto.
3. VC is back
Venture capital is seeing a comeback, with a clear focus on the AI sector.
We expect a focus on junior hires for the newly funded startups – a great opportunity for the early stage companies to take advantage of the mostly flat Banking and Professional Services graduate hiring landscape.
The Sunday Times Tech 100 reveals that the UK’s fastest-growing tech firms raised £10bn in 2024. Over 12,200 new roles were created in the last 3 years, and another 4,200 are expected in 2025.
4. Office culture is evolving
As CEOs start to rethink hybrid work, the balance is shifting.
WFH is no longer the default, and many employers are pushing for teams to return to the office full-time or in hybrid. It’s clear that office culture is making a comeback, but, as requested by employees, more flexibility this expected.
There’s a larger trend of longer hours and maximising productivity. Businesses are focused on doing more with less staff.
5. PM’s AI Action Plan
One of the most exciting recent developments is the PM’s AI Action Plan. If fully funded, with new Tax incentives to attract overseas investment, this could fuel the UK’s position as a global AI leader and drive significant growth, attracting international investment from the US, Middle East, and Asia, which would be a game-changer for the UK’s job market.
And while AI could shrink departments in the long term, it will also create new roles and empower smaller teams with advanced tools. This growth is leading to a huge demand for roles like Chief AI Officers, AI Engineers, and Senior Data Scientists.
My take? It’s a double-edged sword – fewer people may be needed, but those who adapt to the AI-powered world will be in high demand.
