2025 Trends Report: Part Two

Andrea Zimmerman
Our three-part series on the key trends defining 2025 continues.

The forces shaping 2025 aren’t slowing down. As people seek faster paths to success, traditional systems are losing influence while the workplace is shifting under the weight of automation and efficiency demands.

This next set of trends reveals how consumers are rewriting the playbook, leaning on peer-driven advice, side hustles, and AI-powered shortcuts to navigate life on their own terms. Meanwhile, workplaces are facing an energy crisis, where motivation, purpose, and human connection risk being sacrificed in the name of productivity.

What’s Salient

People are taking charge of their futures faster than ever, sidestepping traditional institutions in favor of social media and advice from their peers. Whether it’s launching a side hustle or making health decisions, they’re gravitating to relatable content and the digital crowd, finding confidence to create new paths to wealth, wellness, and success.

Gen Z is leading this transformation. Nearly half are running side hustles, and many turn to online gambling as a shortcut to financial success. The same pattern plays out in healthcare. More than half of Americans now skip annual checkups, relying instead on social media for wellness tips. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook and Instagram are the leading go-to sources for advice, filling gaps left by outdated or inaccessible systems.

Bottom Line

Traditional institutions may have the right message, but they lack the right medium. Social platforms have the reach, but not always the right message. Brands must bridge this gap by offering relevant, fast, and trusted solutions or risk losing their audience to the power of the crowd.

What’s Salient

Work is feeling more transactional than ever, draining energy from both employees and leaders. The relentless push for efficiency—driven by AI, strict performance metrics, and cost-cutting—has left many workers feeling like replaceable parts rather than valued team members. And as engagement declines, service quality suffers, ultimately impacting business performance.

Employees crave flexibility, recognition, and work that feels meaningful. Yet, instead of investing in training and support, many companies are cutting back. As a result, trends like “acting their wage” and emotional detachment from work are on the rise, signaling a breakdown in the employer-employee relationship. The rapid adoption of AI continues to raise concerns about job security, creativity, and workplace dignity, especially if companies fail to distinguish between human talent and automated efficiency.

Bottom Line

Revitalizing workplace culture starts with human-centered leadership: empathy, open communication, and genuine appreciation. People thrive when their contributions are valued, their growth is supported, and their voices are included. Organizations can create a flourishing workforce by designing work with dignity and respect in ways that fuel success rather than drain it.

More on the way. Our final take on the key trend defining the year drops soon.

Related

2025 Trends Report: Part One

Why Your Financial Services Brand Should Consider a Refresh in 2025

Salient Wrapped 2024

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Let’s create wow, together. ​

Chris Romo
Chief Financial Officer

Chris Romo brings over 15 years of expertise in financial management to his role at Salient, overseeing Financial Operations, including forecasting, stakeholder relations, and capital structure optimization. He also supports operational and risk management processes across the agency.

Before joining Salient, Chris held senior finance positions at leading organizations, such as BDO USA, where he led FP&A functions for the national IT consulting business, including offshore capabilities.

Chris finds great motivation in working with Salient’s talented, entrepreneurial team, whose intelligence and client-focused dedication drive the agency’s success in the experience industry.