2025 HR trends from Kolay İK: The era of 'New Collar' professions begins

Human resources and personnel management platform Kolay İK has published an e-book titled 2025 HR Trends, evaluating new technologies, changing work dynamics, and a workforce with evolving expectations that are increasingly influencing the business world.

New collar refers to jobs in the technology sector that require technical skills and training but do not mandate a university degree. Professions such as cloud computing technician, user interface designer, software and application developer, database administrator, and cybersecurity analyst fall into the new collar category. According to the book, in addition to new collar jobs, the resurgence of blue-collar jobs based on craft and technical skills requires a transformation in HR strategies.

While new technologies are rapidly changing the skills needed in the workforce, companies are making slow but steady progress in preparing their employees for the future of work. The 2023 research from the World Economic Forum's annual Future of Jobs Report stated that 44 percent of employees' current skills would become obsolete by 2030.

SALARY TRANSPARENCY WILL BE A PRIORITY FOR THE GLOBAL BUSINESS WORLD

This rate decreased to 39 percent in the 2025 report. According to experts, this decline is due to the growing interest in upskilling and reskilling programs and the effective results of investments in these areas. On the other hand, skill mismatch directly affects business performance. 63 percent of employers admit that the skills gap negatively impacts their organizations.

According to the platform, one of the priority agendas for the global business world this year will be salary transparency. It is expected that the fact that EU countries will regulate their relevant legislation by June 2026, within the scope of the EU Pay Transparency Directive, will set an important example in this regard. Accordingly, companies will create a fairer and more inclusive work culture by clearly sharing salary ranges. This will provide a safer environment for employees while also helping companies attract more talent.

The platform's 2025 HR Trends book also covers topics such as the use of artificial intelligence, data analysis, gender equality in the business world, the increasing effectiveness of HR departments in companies' strategic decisions, and companies creating their own career pages.

Stating that the issues on the HR agenda concern not only the relevant departments but all segments from employers to employees, Kolay İK CEO Çağlar Yalı said, "Workforce dynamics, the rapid development of technology, and changes in employee expectations make it mandatory for companies to plan for both today and the future. 

Companies must invest in the skills that will be needed in the future while supporting their current workforce. Otherwise, they may struggle to adapt to technology, leading to operational problems and loss of productivity. Salary transparency is a topic that will provide companies with a competitive advantage beyond creating a fair work environment. In light of all this, we foresee that 2025 will pave the way for significant changes and opportunities for companies. Those who manage this process correctly can increase employee satisfaction and build a more robust workforce structure."

News Source: İHA