Modern workplace trends of the year 2025
Whether artificial intelligence, hybrid cloud solutions, or sustainable IT: in 2025, some developments that have already been hinted at in recent years are likely to have a much more significant impact than before. Companies urgently need to address these IT trends in order to position themselves for the future. In this article on IT trends for 2025, we reveal which developments are still on the horizon and which challenges need to be overcome.
NO. 1 IT TREND: AI in everyday working life
One thing is clear: artificial intelligence (AI) has become one of the most important IT trends and is now an integral part of the modern working world. This is hardly surprising, given its enormous potential to increase productivity, reduce costs, and ease the workload on employees. It can be used to automate processes, process data, support decision-making, and develop innovative new products. What’s more, AI could turn entire industries upside down – for example, healthcare, finance, logistics, mechanical engineering, and insurance. Employees are also encountering AI more and more in their private lives and would like to be able to harness its potential in their everyday working lives.
It is therefore to be expected that AI technologies will be found in more and more applications in everyday working life. And that is precisely why companies need to engage with AI.
If you don’t want to fall behind the competition, you can’t afford to sleep through the AI trend. On the one hand, it is essential for companies to explore the possibilities of this IT trend and determine how AI can be integrated into their own processes and portfolio. On the other hand, it is important not to ignore the challenges and risks. Cybercriminals have also discovered this IT trend and are using AI for sophisticated attacks – for example, in the form of deceptively real voice imitations and videos (deep fakes). A partner specializing in AI consulting and development can provide support in this area and advise companies on both the opportunities and the dangers of this IT trend.
NO. 2 OF IT TRENDS: AI among the big players
The so-called GAFAM companies – Google, Apple, Facebook (Meta), Amazon, and Microsoft – are shaping the world of technology and setting new standards in the development of AI. Apple’s plans took a little longer to materialize, but at the Apple Event 2024, the company finally gave the long-awaited answer and introduced “Apple Intelligence” (AI).
The AI features that are particularly interesting for the modern workplace are those that offer increased productivity, customer understanding, or IT security – accompanied by the promise that data protection will also be a high priority. Most processes will be executed entirely on the device, while a new system called Apple Private Cloud Compute will enable computationally intensive processes to be shifted to a protected Apple cloud.
The launch of Apple Intelligence in Europe is planned for spring 2025. However, those who are particularly curious can already test the functionality of this IT trend.
We can look forward to seeing what management options will be available and when these will be taken up by UEM manufacturers. Apple already offers a number of options, some of which have already been implemented by a few UEM manufacturers (for supervised devices) or announced for 2025. Anyone who is unsure about the direction of this IT trend can also rely on experts with expertise in AI services.
NO. 3 OF THE IT TRENDS: Quantum computing
Quantum computing is also one of the IT trends for 2025. Although it is still a niche technology at the moment, many manufacturers are already taking a closer look at it. It is particularly relevant for IT security in companies. This is because quantum computers are capable of performing complex calculations in an instant and cracking even the latest encryption algorithms. It therefore makes sense to start thinking about more intensive protective measures now.
This is precisely why some companies are now working on quantum-secure solutions. Telekom, for example, is developing such a network, while Apple has already created a quantum-secure encryption protocol for iMessage. This protocol, called PQ3, uses post-quantum cryptography and is designed to prevent the threat scenario known as “harvest now, decrypt later” from taking effect. In this scenario, hackers are already collecting vast amounts of encrypted data in the hope of being able to decrypt it once the technology—i.e., quantum computing—is mature and accessible.
Here, too, it is important to keep up with the latest IT trends and protect yourself against professional cybercrime.
Did you know?
IBM has opened its first quantum computing center outside the US in Ehningen (Böblingen district). Companies, research institutions, and government agencies that want to test this technology in practice can rent space there.
NO. 4 OF THE IT TRENDS: Hybrid cloud
While the focus in recent years has often been on outsourcing applications and data to the cloud, there is now a trend towards hybrid cloud scenarios. Here, companies use both cloud solutions and on-premises infrastructures, allowing them to benefit from the advantages of both options.
Cloud solutions are particularly useful when flexibility is a priority. Unlike company-owned structures, cloud storage and solutions can usually be easily expanded or reduced when requirements change. The fact that the provider takes care of updating the hardware and software also reduces the burden on the company’s own IT department.
On-premises solutions, on the other hand, are interesting for computationally intensive applications such as CAD, which would be very expensive to store in the cloud. A local solution is also a good option when particularly sensitive information is involved that does not belong in the cloud for data protection and security reasons. This is precisely why, for example, BaFin has set up its own data center for AI, where it can securely process financial transaction data.
Our tip
If you decide to store your data in the cloud, you should ensure that the solution is hosted in a certified data center that has been proven to meet the highest security and data protection standards. Ideally, this should be located in Germany or a country with similarly high data protection requirements. It also makes sense to look for high connection stability and reliable service from the provider.
NO. 5 OF THE IT TRENDS: Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is the perennial favorite among IT trends. By now, all companies should be well aware that mobile threat defense (MTD) solutions and virus scanners should be just as much a part of the standard IT repertoire as securing access via VPN or conditional access. But here, too, it is important to keep an eye out for new risks and technologies. After all, cybercriminals are not sleeping either and are using new methods such as AI or quantum computing to gain unauthorized access to systems or data.
Companies would therefore be well advised to raise awareness of the issue among their workforce, keep them informed about new tricks used by fraudsters, train them in how to deal with these tricks, and check their risk exposure using phishing awareness tools. It is also important to rely on modern tools against phishing and other threats – for example, multi-factor authentication without a second device or special security solutions that continuously monitor file shares and cloud drives, detect illegal file encryption in seconds, isolate affected computers, and prevent further data from being encrypted.
NO. 6 OF IT TRENDS: Sustainability in IT
Environmentally friendly technologies and data centers that rely on green electricity and utilize their waste heat are also a recurring topic and are becoming increasingly relevant for companies. After all, the high and steadily rising energy consumption of data centers, which is one of the effects of the AI trend, poses a problem for the climate. The rapid innovation cycles of hardware are equally problematic, as their manufacture consumes a lot of resources.
While some companies simply want to act more sustainably and reduce their ecological footprint, this trend is primarily driven by regulatory requirements and customer requests. Many companies are obliged to provide sustainability reports and calculations of their carbon footprint in order to meet the requirements of their customers and legislation.
In order to make sustainable IT decisions, it is worth taking a look at an IT service provider’s sustainability initiatives. If responsible behavior is embedded in its DNA and it pays attention to the impact its actions have on the environment, society, its workforce, and its business contacts, this is a good sign. And in the area of hardware, too, companies have various options for conserving resources—for example, through leasing options.
NO. 7 OF THE IT TRENDS: Extended Reality
Whether augmented, virtual, or mixed reality—technologies that enhance or even replace the real world with virtual elements are also among the most promising IT trends. Devices such as Microsoft Hololens, Apple Vision Pro, and others not only offer advantages for gaming, but are also gaining importance in a professional context. Possible applications include:
- Prototyping: In product development, extended reality glasses allow prototypes to be viewed in a realistic 3D environment. In addition, collaboration across locations is possible, which can accelerate product development processes and save costs.
- Machine maintenance: Extended reality can also take repair and maintenance work to a new level: if technicians encounter problems at the customer’s site, the glasses should enable them to view the defective components directly in the live image via an app. If that doesn’t help, experts can be consulted remotely. This is made possible by an AR-supported video call in which the live image of the machine is shared with the experts in real time. They can interact with the technicians and provide precise visual guidance. This ensures improved customer service and shorter machine downtimes.
- Training: Headsets such as the Apple Vision Pro can also be used to train staff. Doctors, for example, can prepare for difficult operations by performing the procedures virtually in advance. In a technical environment, training on new machines is also conceivable.
Did you know?
Extended reality is the umbrella term for IT trends that extend or replace reality. These include:
- Virtual reality: Users immerse themselves directly in the virtual world. There is no connection to the real world.
- Augmented reality: The real world is still present and supplemented with virtual elements.
- Mixed reality: Virtual and real elements merge seamlessly, enabling interaction between both worlds.
NO. 8 OF THE IT TRENDS: Compensating for the shortage of skilled workers
Combating the shortage of skilled workers in IT is also one of the trends that is here to stay – at least for the foreseeable future. According to Bitkom Research, there were 149,000 vacant IT positions in 2023. On average, it took 7.7 months to fill a vacancy. With many skilled workers set to retire in the coming years, the problem is set to worsen in the future – according to a study by McKinsey, this will be particularly acute in the public sector, where there was already a shortage of 39,000 IT specialists in 2023. By 2030, this figure is expected to rise to 140,000.
This makes it all the more important to retain your own employees. For many of them, an interesting range of tasks is an important factor alongside salary and corporate culture. But in reality, the situation in IT departments is often different: increasing security requirements, ever-larger device fleets, remote working options, and the growing complexity of solutions are making it increasingly difficult to maintain smooth operations and guarantee security. There are many recurring tasks that are less attractive but essential. Monitoring the security situation is also indispensable in order to be able to react quickly to security threats in the event of an incident.
This is exactly where external partners come into play, supporting companies with suitable managed service offerings. Since they take care of both the less attractive and the critical tasks, the company’s internal IT team can concentrate on more interesting, innovative tasks and, thanks to the service provider, is able to respond quickly and flexibly to changes.
NO. 9 OF IT TRENDS: Increasing employer attractiveness
Modern working environments that allow employees to work from anywhere not only increase efficiency within the company, but also, and above all, the flexibility and satisfaction of the workforce. What’s more, employees and applicants are now demanding this kind of workplace. If a company wants to be an attractive employer, it must follow this trend and invest in the modern workplace. This means not only letting colleagues decide where they want to work, but also which device they want to use. Whether it’s a Mac or Windows computer, iPhone or Android smartphone, the ability to use the equipment of their choice ensures maximum satisfaction and productivity. This means that IT teams are faced with an increasingly complex device landscape. But that’s not a problem: after all, Unified Endpoint Management systems are capable of managing all operating systems and device types equally.
Companies often need to take action when it comes to the user-friendliness of the tools they use. Logging in is often not barrier-free on every device, and not every file is easy to find from everywhere. Nor is it always possible to immediately recognize the caller on a cell phone – at least not without prior time-consuming manual maintenance of the address book. Here, it is important to rely on innovative technologies that allow secure and mobile access to all data sources or enable automated synchronization of all contact data with the global address list or CRM system.
NO. 10 OF THE IT TRENDS: Cost reduction
Many companies are currently under enormous cost pressure and are being urged to cut costs and, in the process, review their technology landscape. In the area of device management, this is leading many companies to consider switching to Microsoft’s Unified Endpoint Management system. The key here is to find out how well Microsoft Intune can meet the respective requirements, what needs to be taken into account so that no functions have to be sacrificed, and how the migration can be successfully completed. Tools for simplified switching of the UEM system can provide support and save costs right from the start of the migration process.
If, due to the tight staffing situation in companies, there is a lack of employees, time, and expertise to deal with new developments, a lot of potential remains untapped and investments made are not fully utilized. This is fueled by the immense speed at which innovations are developing and new technologies are emerging. At the same time, the complexity of configuration options is growing, as is the complexity of interaction with other systems. External partners who deal with these technologies on a daily basis can provide assistance and support companies along the way.
Conclusion on IT trends for 2025: Just a snapshot
One thing is clear: The world of the modern workplace is constantly evolving. New IT trends and groundbreaking innovations such as AI and quantum computing are constantly presenting the industry with new challenges and opportunities. For companies and their IT departments, this means staying up to date and keeping abreast of the latest developments if they don’t want to lose ground to the competition. But finding your way through the jungle of innovations is anything but easy. This is where it pays to rely on modern workplace specialists who have comprehensive expertise in modern technologies and offer reliable services or even their own innovative products. With the right partner at their side, small and large companies alike are well positioned for the future.
