Business leaders face growing complexity from the interconnected impact of trade, technology, weather, and workforce trends, according to a new report released Thursday by professional services firm Aon.
The Client Trends 2025 report warns that executives risk decision paralysis when confronting these overlapping challenges that require urgent action.
“The megatrends of Trade, Technology, Weather and Workforce are creating unprecedented challenges for business leaders,” 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.”
The report highlights several critical intersection points between these global trends that are reshaping business environments:
Technology transforming trade systems
AI technologies are becoming essential tools for navigating increasingly complex regulatory environments and potential trade wars, while simultaneously introducing new risks that require management. These technologies are helping businesses adapt to evolving trade laws, privacy regulations and cybersecurity challenges.
AI reshaping workforce needs
Organizations are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence into human resources functions, changing job requirements across industries. While this transformation enhances efficiency in areas like talent acquisition and employee engagement, it also demands companies develop strategies for upskilling employees to work alongside AI while maintaining necessary human oversight.
Weather events affecting employee wellbeing
Extreme weather incidents pose growing threats to worker health, productivity and retention. Employees working outdoors face increased risks from heatwaves and poor air quality from wildfires, while these events can impact emotional and financial wellbeing for all workers. The report notes global economic losses from weather events reached $368 billion in 2024, according to Aon’s 2025 Climate and Catastrophe Insight report.
Climate volatility disrupting supply chains
Weather-related disruptions increasingly threaten global trade operations, as demonstrated by severe flooding in Spain that affected automotive industry production and logistics in 2024. In response, businesses are incorporating climate risk assessments into strategic planning and developing more diversified supply chains to enhance resilience.
The report emphasizes that businesses need comprehensive approaches to address these interconnected challenges rather than treating them as isolated issues.
