Global professional services firm Aon has identified four interconnected megatrends that are creating increasingly complex challenges for business leaders, according to a new report released Thursday.
The Client Trends 2025 report highlights how trade, technology, weather and workforce issues are converging to create unprecedented volatility for organizations worldwide, potentially leading to “decision paralysis when urgent action is needed,” said Greg Case, president and CEO of Aon.
“The interconnectedness of these trends means that leaders need access to integrated data and analytics, capabilities and expertise to effectively respond to increasingly linked risk and people issues,” said Case.
Trade and technology intersection
The report details specific connection points between these four major trends. At the intersection of trade and technology, innovations are helping to deliver efficiencies in global supply chains, while simultaneously introducing significant risks that require management.
Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in navigating increasingly complex regulatory challenges, trade laws, privacy regulations and threats from cyber attacks, according to the analysis.
Workplace transformation
Technology’s integration with workforce issues is reshaping job roles and skill requirements across industries. Organizations are increasingly using AI to optimize human resources functions like talent acquisition and employee engagement.
This shift enhances efficiency while creating a need for upskilling employees to work alongside AI systems. Companies capitalizing on this transformation must maintain critical human oversight to drive innovation and effective decision-making.
Weather impacts on workers and trade
Extreme weather events are growing more frequent and costly, with Aon’s 2025 Climate and Catastrophe Insight report noting global economic losses of $368 billion in 2024.
These events affect not only business operations but also employee wellbeing. Workers who operate outdoors face health risks from heatwaves and air quality issues from wildfires, potentially impacting their physical, emotional and financial wellbeing.
Climate volatility’s effects on global trade were illustrated by severe flooding in Spain and its impact on the automotive industry in 2024. The flooding disrupted production and logistics, highlighting supply chain vulnerabilities and the financial risks posed by extreme weather.
In response, organizations are integrating climate risk assessments into strategic planning and developing diversified supply chains to enhance resilience against weather-related disruptions.
The report suggests that understanding how these four trends intersect will be crucial for business leaders making strategic decisions in an increasingly uncertain environment.
See more at https://www.aon.com/en/insights/client-trends
