Productivity and Business Strategies to Navigate the New Global Economy
The global economic landscape of 2025 has shown high levels of uncertainty, marked by economic slowdown, geopolitical tensions, persistent inflation, and structural changes in the markets. According to the World Economic Forum – Chief Economists’ Outlook, 72% of chief economists anticipate a weakening of the global economy as early as next year, while 94% foresee greater fragmentation of global trade. For companies, these factors represent significant challenges but also strategic opportunities to strengthen productivity, innovation, and resilience.
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Among the priorities for 2025 are: organizational restructuring, strengthening culture and purpose, the ethical integration of artificial intelligence (AI), and process automation. According to the report, the main AI actions over the next 6 to 12 months include collaborating with technical departments, mapping AI impacts on people and roles, redesigning processes and functions, developing upskilling and reskilling programs, and hiring specialized talent. The most cited opportunities include the automation of repetitive tasks, career development, and the integration of AI into workflows, increasing productivity and work quality.
The “HR” function, people, and talent management now play a central role in organizational competitiveness. The Chief People Officers (CPOs) consulted by the WEF highlight that the people area is no longer just operational: it is strategic. It co-creates the company’s direction, influences business decisions, and ensures that the organization is prepared to respond quickly to market changes. This new role shows that productivity and business success depend as much on people management as on technology.
However, the CPOs also highlight critical risks: employees may not adapt quickly enough to new technologies, there may be career stagnation or loss of skills due to excessive dependence on AI, as well as ethical and data privacy challenges. These risks reinforce the need for a people-centered implementation, combining technology with continuous skill development, close monitoring, and a strong organizational culture.
To lead effectively in this context of disruption, managers identify key competencies: business acumen, strategic thinking, influence over stakeholders, digital fluency, and data literacy. According to the report, 100% of CPOs point to business acumen and strategic thinking as essential, while almost 90% prioritize development in digital skills. Leaders who combine strategic vision with the ethical implementation of AI are able to transform challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth, strengthening competitiveness and resilience.
Recommended Business Strategies:
- Organizational Agility: Flexible structures, multifunctional teams, and the ability to adapt quickly to market and technology changes.
- Innovation and Digital Transformation: Ethical implementation of AI and automation, balancing efficiency and human touch.
- Continuous Talent Development: Reskilling, upskilling, and digital skills acquisition programs to maintain productivity and engagement.
- Strengthening Culture and Purpose: Alignment of values, promotion of leadership, resilience, and encouragement of collaboration and innovation.
- Risk Management and Resilience: Monitoring of economic and geopolitical indicators, ensuring sustained decision-making and adaptability.
In conclusion, thriving in 2025 and beyond requires integrated business leadership that combines strategy, technology, and talent. Organizations that balance technology and humanity, strengthen corporate culture, develop digital skills, and promote engagement and purpose will be better prepared to face uncertainty, innovate, and grow sustainably.
Productivity ceases to be merely an operational metric and begins to reflect the company’s ability to lead with purpose, ethically integrate technology, and maximize human potential. In this new paradigm, resilient, agile, and people-centered companies will be the ones that create lasting competitive advantage in the global market.
Article by Sérgio Almeida, in partnership with Vida Económica.
