In today’s rapidly evolving job market, attracting, engaging, and retaining top talent has never been more critical—or more challenging. According to the 2025 National Workplace Trends Study (NWTS) by Destination Workplace™, organizations that fail to evolve in 5 key areas, risk significant turnover, reduced productivity, and a weakened brand image. For business owners, HR directors, and executives aiming to transform their companies into a Destination Workplace™, the National Workplace Trends Study provides actionable insights rooted in employee engagement, workplace culture, leadership, growth opportunities, team belonging, and well-being.

Here are 5 key discoveries within the National Workplace Trends Study findings, and how they can help your organization improve the employee experience and stand out as an employer of choice:

1. Build a Purpose-Driven Culture

The NWTS reveals that 80% of employees consider a sense of purpose essential for job satisfaction, with 73% of Gen Z workers specifically identifying it as crucial. Employees are no longer content with just a paycheck—they seek roles that align with their personal values and allow them to contribute meaningfully.

Action Steps:

• Embed your company’s mission and core values into everyday operations and employee experiences.
• Recognize and celebrate employee contributions regularly to foster a sense of belonging.
• Create a cohesive culture where transparency, fairness, and alignment with company goals drive engagement.
• Conduct a company-wide assessment to gauge what your current culture and employee experience are actually like for employees. 

2. Foster Inspirational Leadership

Leadership plays a pivotal role in employee retention, as highlighted by the study’s finding that 57% of workers report losing trust in organizations with poor leadership. Furthermore, 52% of employees would accept a lower-paying job to work for a leader they respect.

Action Steps:

• Equip leaders with tools and leadership development programs that focus on providing honest, constructive feedback and regular coaching, especially as 20% of Gen Z employees prioritize frequent manager guidance.
• Train leaders to act with integrity, demonstrate accountability, and model the culture they want to see in their teams.
• Conduct semi-annual career-pathing conversations to support employee growth and clarify career trajectories.

3. Prioritize Employee Growth Opportunities

Growth opportunities are among the most impactful factors in retaining top talent, with 81% of employees agreeing that successful companies prioritize learning and development. Additionally, 64% of Gen X and Boomers cite regular pay increases as a critical retention factor, while younger generations value tuition reimbursement programs.

Action Steps:

• Design structured career paths with defined milestones and advancement opportunities.
• Offer diverse learning programs, including technical skills, leadership training, and mentorship initiatives.
• Establish rotational programs and cross-departmental projects to broaden employee skills and foster innovation.

4. Promote Teamwork and Belonging

Employees thrive in environments that emphasize collaboration, trust, and respect. The National Workplace Trends Study shows that 89% of workers believe feeling part of a team is vital, and organizations that prioritize teamwork see 17% higher productivity.

Action Steps:

• Host regular team-building programs that include team-building activities to strengthen relationships and enhance trust among team members.
• Develop conflict resolution strategies to maintain harmony and mutual respect.
• Create a culture of inclusivity by encouraging cross-team collaboration and developing effective communication skills.

5. Support Employee Well-Being

Employee well-being is foundational to retention, with 74% of workers reporting that today’s work environment is more stressful than a decade ago. Work-life balance, flexible hours, and realistic workload expectations were cited as critical factors by respondents in the NWTS, particularly among Gen X and Boomers.

Action Steps:

• Implement flexible work policies and set clear boundaries to reduce burnout and support work-life balance.
• Provide mental health resources, such as counseling, mindfulness programs, and employee assistance programs.
• Invest in physical wellness programs, including fitness challenges, gym memberships, or on-site wellness activities.
• Provide employee wellness programs that focus on reducing stress, negativity, and workplace burnout.

Why Becoming a Destination Workplace™ Matters

Failing to adapt to these trends can have dire consequences. The National Workplace Trends Study notes that 42% of Gen Z employees plan to look for a new job within the next 12 months, and 29% of American workers would not recommend their current workplace. Conversely, companies that invest in the five pillars of workplace success—culture, leadership, growth, belonging, and well-being—experience higher retention, enhanced productivity, and stronger innovation.

Key Benefits of Becoming a Destination Workplace™:

• Reduced Turnover Costs: Replacing an employee can cost up to 33% of their annual salary. Investing in a strong workplace culture reduces recruitment and onboarding expenses.
• Increased Productivity: Engaged employees are 17% more productive, contributing to innovation and organizational growth.
• Enhanced Reputation: A positive workplace culture attracts top talent and strengthens your brand image.

Tips for Success

• Diagnose and Define: Conduct employee surveys or workplace culture audits to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Plan and Execute: Develop clear, actionable strategies and invest in workplace development programs to build accountability and track measurable goals.
• Communicate and Celebrate: Share successes and improvements to reinforce a culture of transparency and recognition.


Download a copy and start leveraging insights from the 2025 National Workplace Trends Study, so that your organization can create an environment where employees feel valued, inspired, and motivated to stay and grow. The path to becoming a Destination Workplace™ begins with actionable change—and the NWTS provides the roadmap to get there.

Creating a winning company culture takes effort, but it's well worth it, and company culture happens to be our area of expertise. We help you become a Destination Workplace™ so you can attract and retain the best talent in this hyper-competitive marketplace. Contact us to learn about our leadership development, culture development, corporate wellness programs and more!

The Destination Workplace™ Team

Destination Workplace™