Business operations and societal systems are under mounting pressure due to the combined impact of four evolving megatrends – trade, technology, climate, and workforce dynamics – according to new findings released by Aon plc in its Client Trends 2025 report.
The report, developed using insights from Aon’s Risk Capital and Human Capital divisions, examined how these trends are increasingly interwoven and are shaping both risk exposure and organisational responses.
The firm emphasised the growing importance of integrated approaches to decision-making amid accelerating uncertainty.
“The megatrends of trade, technology, weather, and workforce are creating unprecedented challenges for business leaders, who risk decision paralysis when urgent action is needed,” said Greg Case, 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 points to the overlap of trade and technology as a key example of both opportunity and exposure.
Advances in digital systems, including artificial intelligence, are being deployed to streamline supply chains. At the same time, these innovations introduce new liabilities tied to cybersecurity, evolving trade regulations, and privacy standards.
Aon noted that increased regulatory scrutiny and geopolitical shifts could further amplify these risks, particularly for multinational firms.
On the labour front, the integration of AI into talent management is reshaping how companies hire, train, and retain employees.
Automation is increasingly embedded in processes like recruiting and performance tracking, requiring businesses to invest in technical skills while maintaining human oversight. Aon observed that this dual focus on efficiency and adaptability is altering workforce strategies across sectors.
The intersection of environmental volatility and workforce safety is another growing concern. According to Aon’s climate risk analysis, natural catastrophes generated US$368 billion in global economic losses in 2024.
For companies with outdoor or field-based employees, exposure to extreme heat, air pollution, and related hazards is becoming a priority issue. Aon said that employers are now linking climate resilience efforts with initiatives to support physical and mental wellbeing.
The relationship between weather patterns and trade performance is also becoming more evident. Aon cited the disruption caused by floods in Spain in 2024, which impacted automotive production and logistics networks, as a clear example of cascading risk.
The firm reported that businesses are incorporating climate risk into supply chain planning, diversifying operations to reduce dependency on single geographic regions, and investing in continuity strategies.
The report concludes that the interconnected nature of these megatrends necessitates a holistic approach to risk management. Organisations are encouraged to:
Aon stated that addressing these combined risks will require coordination between risk, human resources, and operational leadership.
