In 2025, UK organisations are rightly focused on equipping their people to thrive through change as they face a landscape shaped by rapid technological advancements, economic volatility and shifting societal expectations. Success in this environment demands a workforce equipped with technical expertise and the people skills necessary to thrive through change. These include assessing the impact of change, managing emotions positively, and embracing opportunities with optimism, focusing on solutions and a way forward. As the pace of transformation accelerates, these skills are vital for progress, resilience, and long-term organisational success. 

The case for change skills: why now? 

Workforce readiness 

Equipping teams with the skills and resilience to navigate change is increasingly recognised as essential for UK businesses aiming to remain competitive and agile. Recent data underscores the urgency of this need:  

Research from Cornerstone indicates that 63% of UK executives believe their workforce is unprepared for change, while 45% of employees report lacking the necessary support and resources to adapt to evolving conditions. (Thetimes.co.uk) 

Workforce transformation 

The rise of automation, artificial intelligence and hybrid working models now shape how work is done. A 2023 study by PwC found that 40% of UK jobs will see significant changes to their core tasks by 2030, making adaptability and resilience crucial for both employees and organisations. 

Societal and environmental challenges 

Issues such as sustainability, diversity and inclusivity are now central to business strategies. Organisations face pressure to adapt their policies and practices to align with evolving social values. The ability to manage emotions and approach these changes with optimism and collaboration is critical to maintaining morale and engagement. 

The 3 essential change skills for 2025 

1. Assessing the impact of change 

Effective change begins with understanding its scope and implications. People at all levels must develop analytical skills to evaluate how change will affect their work, their teams and the organisation. This ensures proactive planning and prevents resistance born from uncertainty. For example, when implementing new technology, assessing its impact on workflows and skill requirements enables smoother transitions and more effective training. 

2. Managing emotions positively and productively 

Change managed well can galvanise organisations to achieve great progress. And change often triggers anxiety, fear, or resistance—emotions that, if unmanaged, can derail progress. Organisations can provide training to help their people:   

• Recognise and regulate their own emotions  

• Empathise with colleagues navigating change 

• Foster a culture of support and collaboration. A 2022 LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report found that 91% of UK employers believe emotional self-awareness skills improve performance, underscoring their importance in times of upheaval. 
  
  

3. Seeing opportunities and embracing optimism 

Cultivating a mindset that focuses on potential benefits fosters innovation and creativity. Employees who view change as an opportunity for growth are more likely to propose solutions, embrace new roles and contribute positively to organisational transformation.  

Data supporting the need for change skills



Research highlights the growing importance of equipping employees with change management skills: 

• CIPD (2023): Organisations with strong change management frameworks are 3.5 times more likely to meet or exceed objectives. 

• Gallup (2024): Employees who feel confident in managing change are 45% more engaged, leading to higher productivity and lower turnover. 

• McKinsey (2023): Companies that focus on building resilience and adaptability see a 30% increase in long-term performance metrics. 
  
  

How UK organisations can foster these skills 

Training and development 

Organisations can invest in continuous learning programmes that focus on change readiness and problem-solving. Practical workshops and digital learning tools can all enhance these skills. 

Leadership as role models 

Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping how change is perceived. By demonstrating optimism, empathy and a solution-focused mindset, leaders can inspire similar attitudes throughout the workforce. 

Embedding a culture of change 

A culture that celebrates adaptability and rewards innovative thinking makes change less intimidating. Regular communication, employee recognition and opportunities for feedback create an environment where change feels collaborative rather than imposed. 

The benefits of change-ready employees 

Equipping employees with these skills enables organisations to: 

1. Navigate disruption with confidence: Proactively addressing challenges prevents them from escalating into crises. 

2. Foster innovation: People who embrace change are more likely to experiment with new ideas, driving progress. 

3. Build resilience: A workforce skilled in adapting to change is better prepared for future disruptions, ensuring long-term sustainability. 
   
   

As the UK navigates economic, technological and societal transformations in 2025, change readiness is a serious priority. Organisations are prioritising equipping their people with the skills to assess, manage and embrace change. By fostering a culture of resilience, optimism and adaptability, these organisations will position themselves for success. 

MGI Learning provides practical toolkits to support people through change, building their ability to self-assess and self-manage into the most positive, productive state at work. This, coupled with the powerful communications tools in the MGI Toolkit, builds a strong foundation for people to thrive through change.

Find out how our training programmes and our Mindset, Language & Actions Toolkit helps people and teams to thrive through change.

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