The rapid transformations in the job market and technological evolution are redefining the role of leaders and workers. The saying "those who can command and those who have sense obey" no longer makes sense, since research shows that employees are more interested in maintaining their well-being and emotional health than in working for a company that does not share the same values. The research "State of Hybrid Work", from Owl Labs, for example, highlights that 22% of workers are setting clearer boundaries, avoiding taking on tasks outside of their roles. Another 20% do not respond to corporate communications outside of working hours.
In this scenario, leaders play a fundamental role. They are the bridge that connects the needs of the company with the expectations of the employees. For the founder of QUARE and specialist in people development, Carolina Valle Schrubbe, 2025 will bring unique challenges and opportunities for those in leadership positions, with a focus on trends such as hybrid work, the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and the growing importance of diversity practices, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I)
“Hybrid work, consolidated as the preferred model by many professionals, will be one of the main pillars of modern leadership. Research indicates that companies that adopt this format have an easier time attracting and retaining talent. However, leaders will need to balance flexibility with productivity, in addition to developing effective strategies to maintain the cohesion of geographically dispersed teams, highlight her.
Of course, in an increasingly technological world, there is no longer a way to leave Artificial Intelligence behind. It will remain one of the most disruptive technologies in the market, remodeling corporate operations and empowering leaders with accurate data for strategic decisions. Carolina claims that, despite automating routine tasks, AI will require leaders to prioritize innovation and maintain a human perspective in critical decisions. She also highlights that another challenge will be the ethical implementation of this technology, ensuring that it is used transparently and responsibly
Diversity and sustainability: strategic priorities
On the other hand, themes that have been debated for many years continue to grow stronger, as is the case with sustainability, what makes companies, managers and employees have to adapt every day. For 2025, DE&I practices and sustainability will play a central role, analyzes the founder of QUARE. "What was previously treated as a niche agenda, now it is established as a strategic priority. Leaders will need to promote an inclusive environment, valuing the plurality of perspectives to drive innovation and organizational performance. Furthermore, sustainability will be crucial, with the requirement that companies align their growth goals with a positive impact on the environment and society, affirms.
Essential skills for the leader of the future
For Carolina, the scenario of 2025 will require empathetic leaders, communicative and adaptable, that promote emotionally safe environments and foster a culture of continuous learning will be differentiators. In 2024, leaders who created environments of trust and prioritized inclusion stood out as examples. These leaders, that recognized vulnerabilities and inspired teams through autonomy and creativity, these are the models we should follow in this coming year. The success of leaders will depend on the balance between the strategic use of technologies, like AI, and the humanization of relationships, with a focus on inclusive and sustainable practices. These trends define not only the future of leadership, but also the positive impact it can generate in organizations and society, finalizes.
