The Josh Bersin Company Five Things We Didn't Talk About Much In 2025: The Human Capital Agenda
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Dec 20, 2025 In a year dominated by AI, several critical human capital issues were overlooked. The rollback of DEI policies has serious workplace implications, while gender equity concerns faded into the background. Well-being also took a hit despite a decline in national happiness. The rush to adopt AI raises questions about productivity gains and socioeconomic disparities. Emphasizing reskilling and human-centered leadership will be vital as organizations adapt to these changes. A look ahead reveals the importance of addressing these soft issues in 2026.
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Human Capital Took A Back Seat
- Josh Bersin warns that the human capital agenda was crowded out in 2025 by a tech and AI obsession.
- He highlights that DEI efforts were rapidly removed from federal and corporate priorities despite ongoing needs.
Gender And Pay Equity Risks Resurfaced
- Bersin observes the gender agenda faded even as pay gaps and workplace harms persist.
- He links AI-driven productivity differences to new challenges for pay equity programs.
Well-Being Was Neglected
- Well-being dropped off the corporate agenda even though national happiness fell and financial stress rose.
- Bersin cautions that energy and cost pressures (heating/cooling) compound employee well-being risks.