In 2024, the U.S. job market showed steadyor reduced turnover, with the U.S. Bureau ofLabor Statistics reporting an average3.3%turnover ratein the last quarter. Thispresents a particular challenge for small andmedium businesses (SMBs), putting them indirect competition for talent with largerenterprises that often have more resourcesand numerous talent programs. With fewerprofessionals actively seeking newopportunities, SMBs face increased difficultyattracting candidates from their currentAlthough employee retention rates showedstability in 2024, future prospects appearuncertain as businesses prepare for changesmade by the new U.S. administration.IntroductionTalent Trends Report 2025 positions. omniagroup.comThese changes present both challenges andopportunities for SMB leaders. We can expectlarger organizations to respond to uncertaintywith hiring freezes and cost-cutting measures,but SMBs have the agility to take a differentapproach.In recent years, SMBs have repeatedly showntheir ability to adjust and adapt amid challenges— from the rise of remote work to readilyadopting new technologies. This adaptability hasmade them more resilient and better preparedto remain stable in an uncertain environment.Now, instead of pursuing stability at all costs,SMB leaders must leverage this agility to focuson enhancing employee connection viadevelopment and growth. Our annual Talent Trends survey reflectssurface-level stability with employee turnover incheck. Yet beneath this calm surface, our datareveals multiple paradoxes that mainly affectDeclining employee engagement despitelow turnover rates- suggesting employeesare staying but not thriving.Lower AI adoption despite theexcitement and its proven advantages-missing out on opportunities to growefficiencies and save on the bottom line.Ineffective talent initiatives despiteoffering flexible working environmentsto employees- indicating a need to rethinkhow we develop talent.These paradoxes present unique challengesand opportunities for leaders to shake thisseemingly stable environment and focus ondevelopment and growth. This report combinesour survey findings with market trends andindustry studies to present a holistic view andactionable strategies for building agile andgrowth-oriented organizations.The time for cautious observation is over,particularly for SMB leaders who havetraditionally waited to see how largerorganizations handle market shifts. The winnersin 2025 will be those who act now to changetheir talent strategies radically. Let’s explore thefive key trends that will shape talent acquisitionand management in 2025.IntroductionTalent Trends Report 2025 SMBs: omniagroup.comStability in Turnover MasksEngagement ChallengesAn Urgent Need forStructured CareerDevelopment Processesand ProgramsThe Shift in the Purpose ofWorkforce AssessmentsThe Need for ProactiveLeadership and ConsistentTalent InitiativesGetting Strategic AboutAI Integration in HR Approach and MethodologyTalent Trends Report 2025The Omnia Group conducted its fourthannual Talent Trends survey during Q4 2024,gathering input from 413 respondents across21 industries. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitativesurvey data with qualitative insights tounderstand current trends comprehensively.Our respondent pool represented diverseindustries, company sizes, job functions, androles. Manufacturing, professional services,and technology (IT) sectors had the highestparticipation, with small businesses forminga significant portion. Companies with lessthan 500 employees represented 59.2% ofrespondents, while 19.3% were fromenterprises with over 5000 employees.The participants spanned various organizational levels, with 26.6% in executive/C-suite positions,35.4% in manager/supervisor roles, and 38% as individual contributors. They represented fourmain job functions: operations, HR, administrative, and sales. Only 9.9% of the respondents wereOmnia clients, and 7.5% had participated in Omnia’s previous Talent Trend Surveys.To maintain consistency and enable year-over-year comparisons, we conduct this survey duringthe same period each year, targeting similar organizational functions and sizes. We preserve thelongitudinal nature of the study by maintaining core questions while adding select items thatreflect current HR trends. omniagroup.com Approach and MethodologyTalent Trends Report 2025Automotive - AutoAutomotive - Boats & MotorcyclesCommunicationsFinancial ServicesGovernment & Public ServicesHealthcare ProvidersLeisure, Travel, & TourismProfessional ServicesReal Estate, Construction, & Property ManagementStaffing & RecruitingWhat is the size of your organization? Please check one.1-20 employees21-100 employees101-500 employees501-1000 employees1001-5000 employees5000+ employees What industry are you in?omniagroup.com02468Automotive - RVConsumerEducationEnergyInsuranceManufacturingMediaNonprofitPharmaceuticalsTechnology (IT)Transportation0510152025 SalesAdministrativeSupport or Customer Se