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Gallagher Report Highlights Change Fatigue in HR Landscape for 2025

A recent report published by Gallagher has unveiled notable insights into the challenges faced by communications and HR leaders as we head into 2025. Notably, the report identifies 'change fatigue' as a significant obstacle for organizational success, placing it among the top five barriers that leaders must navigate. With insights garnered from over 2,000 HR and communication leaders across 55 countries, this report aims to shed light on the evolving dynamics within the workplace.

Understanding the Emergence of Change Fatigue

For the first time, the concept of 'change fatigue' has entered the conversation as a primary concern in the workplace. A staggering 44% of HR leaders have expressed that this issue is critically important, indicating its impact on the employee experience and overall organizational health. Contributing to this concern are broader external challenges that companies are facing, highlighting the need for strong, agile communication strategies in these turbulent times.

William F. Ziebell, CEO of Gallagher’s Benefits and HR Consulting Division, commented, "The global business landscape necessitates organizations to develop insightful communication strategies to guide their employees through change. The C-Suite plays a pivotal role in providing clear direction to communications teams."

Key Barriers and Priorities for 2025

The Gallagher report aligns with HR leaders' priorities by emphasizing engagement initiatives that can bolster company morale. Some striking numbers from the report reveal that 67% of HR leaders are focused on connecting employees with the organization’s core values and strategy. Enhancing manager communications (53%) and increasing leadership visibility (47%) reflect the urgent need for transparent communication from the top down.

However, despite these noble ambitions, significant challenges remain. Chief among these are low capacity (49%), change fatigue (44%), and ineffective communication from people managers (41%). These barriers undermine the positive initiatives leaders are hoping to implement, illustrating a gap between aspiration and execution in organizational communication.

Interestingly, a shift in corporate attitudes is evident in this year’s report. Previously, financial limitations were a major hurdle that HR leaders cited as a significant barrier to effective communication. However, this year, budgetary concerns have dropped from the top five barriers altogether, indicating a shift in how organizations view and resource their internal communication efforts. Notably, 12% of respondents reported that demonstrating the need for additional resources was no longer a concern, a promising development for the field.

The Importance of Wellbeing Among Communicators

Another important area examined in the report is the wellbeing of communicators themselves. Although there was a minor improvement, with a decrease in respondents reporting a decline in their wellbeing—from 38% last year to 33% this year—the pressures faced by communicators cannot be discounted. Factors contributing to distress within this group include headcount constraints, budget limitations, and time pressures, alongside challenges stemming from fast-paced organizational changes and leadership issues.

Conversely, marks of improvement such as better working conditions (23%) or having a supportive manager (19%) have been revealed to have a positive effect on HR leaders’ moods, emphasizing the importance of support in the workplace.

As Ziebell aptly puts it, communications and HR professionals must exemplify resilience as they are often at the frontline of managing workforce concerns during times of transitions.

Conclusion

Gallagher’s 2025 Employee Communications Report serves as a vital resource for HR and communication leaders, aiming to refine their strategies in light of emerging challenges such as change fatigue. In an environment where effective communication can lead to healthier employee experiences, organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of investing in their HR and communication capabilities. The ongoing journey of improvement is essential, one that requires clarity, support, and strategic alignment throughout an organization.

In a world of rapid changes, understanding and addressing these barriers will be crucial for achieving success in employee engagement and overall workplace productivity.