Aon plc has released the results of its 2025 Human Capital Employee Sentiment Study, surveying over 9,000 employees across 23 countries. The findings reveal that a significant portion of the workforce is considering leaving their current jobs due to a shift in priorities, with well-being and work-life balance emerging as key factors over professional growth. The study highlights broader trends that could redefine the future of work and recruitment strategies.
- Widespread Job Dissatisfaction and High Employee Turnover:
- 60% of employees are considering leaving their jobs in the next year, indicating a high level of dissatisfaction.
- Despite this, there is low motivation to upskill, particularly in AI, with just one-third of employees globally expressing a desire to improve their skill sets.
- The Rising Demand for Flexibility:
- Work-life balance benefits, such as job sharing and technology-free hours, are highly valued by employees, with Gen Z ranking these benefits second after medical benefits.
- Employees are reassessing their relationship with work, moving away from the “hustle culture” and burnout, a shift Aon calls the “Hustle Reset.”
- AI Expectations Differ Between Executives and Employees:
- 22% of executives believe AI will significantly replace jobs, while only 11% of entry-level employees share this view. Additionally, entry-level employees are more uncertain about the impact AI will have on their roles.
- Hybrid Workers Feel Most Valued:
- Hybrid workers report feeling more valued compared to their fully remote counterparts, who feel 52% more undervalued. Office-based workers also feel 10% more undervalued than hybrid employees.
- Competitive Pay and Benefits Remain Key to Attracting Talent:
- 47% of employees consider better-than-average pay and meaningful benefits the most crucial factors when choosing an employer, but a strong company culture is also a major attractor.
- Businesses need to use data to benchmark pay and benefits against market standards to remain competitive in attracting top talent.
- Need for Personalized Benefits:
- 72% of employees express that personalized benefits are important, yet only 41% currently have access to a choice-based benefits system, highlighting a gap in employers’ ability to meet diverse employee needs.
- Communication Gaps Affect Employee Utilization of Benefits:
- Only 38% of employees who find life and disability benefits important believe they have access to them, showing a disconnect between employers’ offerings and employees’ awareness.
Aon’s 2025 study underscores a fundamental shift in employee priorities, with work-life balance and flexibility taking precedence over traditional career advancement. Employers must adapt to these changing expectations by enhancing company culture, offering personalized benefits, and providing more flexibility in the workplace. The study also emphasizes the need for effective communication and a strategic approach to AI and talent management to retain top talent.