The 2025 State of EQ Report

Balancing Efficiency, Engagement, &
Adaptability in a Rapidly Evolving World

Uncover the biggest priorities and challenges impacting HR and L&D professionals, and gain actionable strategies for addressing the complexities of today's workplace.

What are organizations' top 3 priorities in 2025?

What are organizations' top priorities in 2025?

Relationships at the Forefront of Organizational Priorities

Survey results highlight Collaboration, Customer Satisfaction, and Engagement as the top three organizational priorities for 2025, reflecting a broader trend of focusing on strengthening relationships, both internally among employees and externally with customers.

What are the top factors impacting businesses?

What are the top factors impacting businesses?

Navigating Uncertainty in a Technologically
Interconnected World

Data Security, Technological Change, and Economic Uncertainty are the top factors impacting businesses over the next two years, reflecting a focus on managing risks and operational challenges in an increasingly complex, interconnected environment.

“The competition to provide unique and memorable guest experiences is intense. Our challenge is to keep up with the latest trends and technologies that can enhance the guest experience.” 

– Survey Respondent

What are the most pressing personal and professional challenges?

Balancing Personal Well-Being and Workplace Demands

These challenges underscore the need for strategies that support personal growth, interpersonal dynamics, and overall workplace well-being.

How often does your organization experience change?

21% of respondents view their organization’s change management efforts as ineffective

Only 35% feel their organizations are prepared to manage change effectively

Frequent Change, Limited Readiness

The high frequency of change creates both opportunities to be agile and responsive as well as demands on employees and leaders to maintain resilience amid constant adjustments.

What are the top leadership priorities?

What are the top leadership priorities?

Balance Financial Goals with People-Centric Strategies 

Increasing operational efficiency, employee engagement and talent retention emerge as the key leadership priorities, reflecting a need to balance financial health with workforce well-being.

What is the state of EQ?

Scores Above 80

Self-Awareness and Relationship Management lead with 41% of people scoring above 80. Compared to Social Awareness with 32% of people scoring above 80.

Scores Below 69

Social Awareness stands out with 23% of people scoring below 69.

The Power of Awareness: Building Relationships and Resilience

Results from over 37,000 people who took the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal show Self-Awareness as a strength to leverage, as Self-Awareness skills amplify improvements across the other EQ skill areas. 23% scored below 69 in Social Awareness, meaning nearly one in four employees may struggle to interpret others’ emotions. Developing your team’s Social Awareness skills will allow for better conversations, increased collaboration, and higher performance.

What are key implications for L&D professionals?

To meet the challenges ahead, L&D professionals must focus on fostering relationships, preparing employees for change, and balancing operational needs with well-being.

Prioritize Relationship-Centric Workplaces

Strengthen collaboration, trust, and engagement through targeted training programs, team-building initiatives, and data-driven insights.

Equip Workforces for Change and Complexity

Provide tools, resources, and training to build adaptability, resilience, and critical thinking skills to navigate complexity and ongoing transformation.

Balance Operational Demands with Employee Well-Being

Integrate mental health resources, train leaders in empathy, and embed well-being into daily routines.

Learn more
Download the State of EQ Report

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