technology

Frontline Workforce Trends for 2025 and Beyond

We all benefit from frontline workers. These are the friendly employees who take your coffee order, deliver your packages, check you in for your doctor’s appointment or ring up your groceries. Representing more than three-quarters of the global workforce today, frontline workers are indispensable to industries and individuals alike.

However, employers are struggling with high turnover and plunging job satisfaction from this demographic. Most of these employees say they don’t have the technical tools or training needed to excel at their current job. These front-of-house workers want solutions in the form of instant technology, such as AI, wearables, mobile apps and more. That is why automation is a top trend for frontline workers for the year 2025 and beyond.

Frontline workers are also looking for:

  • Flexibility: More gig and temp roles are being used to meet shortages in the workplace today and this trend will continue. Along with this trend comes more hybrid work as frontline workers who have the ability to work remotely seek these opportunities.

  • Upskilling: Workers want more opportunities to learn and grow and appreciate ongoing and updated training in new technologies and skills to further their knowledge and their careers. Likewise, they are interested in leadership development programs.

  • More AI: Frontline workers are fascinated by the power of artificial intelligence in action and want to engage with it more to help them do their jobs, develop new skills and meet customer requirements.

  • A focus on health and wellness: Mental health matters more than ever to workers of all stripes. Companies that take good care of their employees will be rewarded with dedication and longevity. Workplace safety and stress reduction are also critical. These programs can include health initiatives, crisis counseling and more.

  • DEI: Frontline workers are tired of being discriminated against by both customers and coworkers. They not only want more diverse executives and colleagues but also diverse training, decision-making and inclusive initiatives across the workplace.

The companies that get these initiatives right will excel in hiring – and keeping – the best committed frontline workers for 2025 and in the years to come.

Anticipating the Alpha Generation in the Workforce

Independent, always connected, diverse and incredibly technologically savvy, Generation Alpha has grown up in a digital world, accustomed to spending hours each day in front of a screen or device. Named for those born in 2010 and after, Generation Alpha represents the start of a new era and generation that has been transformed by digital technology.

The world of the Alpha Generation is replete with smartphones and tablets, virtual assistants, data, artificial intelligence, personalization and wearables, among other technological innovations. This young generation is often more comfortable with online technology than they are with in-person interactions and they tend to enjoy working independently.

While all of these traits can be beneficial for workplaces, there are some challenges when it comes to the Alpha Generation: Their attention spans tend to be shorter and they sometimes lack the creativity and ability to connect with others that are hallmarks of previous generations.

While this generation is too young to impact the workforce in full force today, savvy companies will be prepared to meet this online and connected cohort in a few short years.