Trends in Work Technology Investments

One of our most anticipated reports each year is out—a comprehensive look at the most significant tech trends unfolding today, from agentic AI to the future of mobility to bioengineering. It provides CEOs with insights on how to embrace frontier technology that has the potential to transform industries and create new opportunities for growth.   Here’s my top-line take: —Equity investments rose in 10 out of 13 tech trends in 2024, with 7 of those trends recovering from declines in the previous year. This rebound signals growing confidence in emerging technologies. —We're witnessing a significant shift in autonomous systems going from pilots to practical applications. Systems like robots and digital agents, are not only executing tasks but also learning and adapting. Agentic AI saw a $1.1 billion equity investment in 2024 alone. —The interface between humans and machines is becoming more natural and intuitive. Advances in immersive training environments, haptic robotics, voice-driven copilots, and sensor-enabled wearables are making technology more responsive to human needs. —And, of course, the AI effect stands out as both a powerful trend in its own right and a foundational amplifier of others. AI is accelerating robotics training, advancing bioengineering discoveries, optimizing energy systems, and more. The sheer scale of investment in AI is staggering, with $124.3 billion in equity investment in 2024 alone.   Let's discuss: Which of these trends do you think will have the most significant impact on your industry? Share your thoughts in the comments below!   Big thanks to my colleagues Lareina Yee, Michael Chui, Roger Roberts, and Sven Smit.   #TechTrends #AI #Innovation #FutureOfWork #EmergingTech http://mck.co/techtrends

Only 25% of companies using GenAI are piloting agentic AI. That number will double by 2027. Change is already accelerating. Deloitte’s HR Tech report outlines where the market is heading. From investment surges to AI-enhanced job design, the signals are clear. Let’s break down the key trends leaders should be watching: 1. HR Tech investment is bouncing back fast: Funding rebounded in late 2024 and is set to surge again. Global IT spend is projected to grow 14% in 2025. Expect new M&A activity, platform upgrades, and AI-first product strategy. 2. Agentic AI will drive workflow automation: Unlike static co-pilots, agentic AI handles full processes end to end. Think planning, reasoning, and action, not just prompt and response. 25% of GenAI users will pilot agents this year alone. 3. Skills validation is getting smarter: 79% of AI-enabled orgs see better employee experiences. 63% achieve stronger organizational outcomes. The shift: from manual skills assessments to real-time AI-driven insights. 4. Task data will unlock workforce strategy: Forward-thinking orgs are mapping work by tasks, not job titles. This enables smarter talent planning, job redesign, and AI integration. Expect big moves from talent intelligence vendors in 2025. 5. Work tech is becoming more human: LLMs are learning our tone, style, and communication habits. AI tools will increasingly feel personal and help us show up better. But this also raises real questions about identity and data ownership. 6. Culture will be measured at the micro level: Microcultures, not monolithic culture decks, drive true team dynamics. HR tech is starting to surface sentiment, behavior, and signals by team. 2025 will bring faster, more agile culture measurement at scale. This year’s HR Tech landscape is about connection, not just capability. The most effective organizations will pair bold tech bets with human insight. Special thanks to Franz Gilbert and Matthew Shannon at Deloitte for guiding one of the most thoughtful reports on HR Tech this year. Check the comments for a link to their full piece. What’s one shift in HR tech you’re prioritizing in 2025? #FutureOfWork #PeopleAnalytics #HRTech #WorkforceTransformation #OrganizationalDesign

Tech investments don’t magically create value. The best organizations aren’t just adopting automation… they’re using it intelligently.    That’s where Deloitte and ServiceNow’ 2025 Workflow Automation Trends Outlook comes in (https://deloi.tt/41yMPL4). It’s not just another AI hype cycle, but a roadmap for what is driving business impact. A few highlights:    🟢 Generic AI won’t cut it. Industry-specific solutions are the difference between a “cool demo” and actual business impact. The days of one-size-fits-all automation are over.    🟢 Automation isn’t just for IT. It belongs everywhere, from finance and legal to operations and marketing, because the biggest efficiency gains happen outside traditional tech teams.    🟢 Agentic AI is here. AI that can reason, act, and make decisions is no longer theoretical. It’s reducing complexity, streamlining workflows, and freeing up teams for more strategic thinking. The future is end-to-end integrations that actually engage, not siloed parts that slow things down.    🟢 The best organizations don’t just adopt, they adapt. Winning organizations aren’t just checking the “AI” box. They’re experimenting and evolving — because standing still is falling behind.    If you’re investing in AI and automation but not seeing ROI, maybe it’s time to rethink the playbook — the new chapter is being written in real time: https://deloi.tt/3QpyQlV