Business operations are facing significant challenges from four major trends: trade, technology, climate, and workforce dynamics. This insight comes from Aon plc’s recent Client Trends 2025 report, which highlights how these trends are increasingly connected and influencing the risks businesses encounter.
The report, created with input from Aon’s Risk Capital and Human Capital teams, emphasizes the need for companies to adopt integrated decision-making strategies as uncertainty grows. Greg Case, Aon’s CEO, pointed out that the intertwining of these megatrends is making it harder for business leaders to make quick decisions when they are needed most. Leaders must have access to comprehensive data and expertise to address the linked risks and workforce issues effectively.
Aon’s findings suggest that the overlap of trade and technology presents both opportunities and risks. For instance, advancements in digital systems and artificial intelligence are helping to improve supply chains. However, these innovations also bring new liabilities, such as cybersecurity threats and evolving trade regulations. Increased scrutiny from regulators and geopolitical changes could heighten these risks, especially for companies operating globally.
On the workforce front, AI is changing how businesses recruit and manage talent. Automation is becoming a staple in hiring and performance evaluations, pushing companies to invest in technical skills while ensuring that human oversight remains a priority. This shift is prompting a reevaluation of workforce strategies across various industries.
Climate change is also impacting employee health and safety. Aon reported that natural disasters caused significant economic losses in 2024, with companies employing outdoor workers facing heightened risks from extreme weather, air pollution, and other hazards. Employers are now linking their climate resilience efforts to initiatives that support the well-being of their employees.
Weather disruptions are affecting global trade as well. Aon highlighted the impact of floods in Spain in 2024, which disrupted automotive production and logistics. In response, businesses are starting to incorporate climate risks into their supply chain planning, diversifying operations, and developing strategies for continuity.
The report concludes that the interconnected nature of these trends requires a comprehensive approach to risk management. Organizations are encouraged to integrate data from various fields, develop cross-functional resilience plans, and anticipate the secondary effects of disruptions. Aon stresses that effectively addressing these combined risks will necessitate collaboration between risk management, human resources, and operational leaders.
In a world where challenges are increasingly linked, Aon’s report serves as a crucial reminder for businesses to adapt and prepare for the future.