This article is part of our expert-led series on the top trends shaping Talent Acquisition (TA) in 2025. In a recent webinar, our team of in-house experts—Allison Latham, Evan Martino, and Dr. Andrew Monroe—explored the key forces impacting TA today.

In this piece, we turn to workforce planning—and how TA leaders are rethinking it this year, from predictive modeling to skills-based hiring.

Missed Part One? Catch up on The Growing Impact of AI in Recruiting.

 

What’s new in workforce planning in 2025?

Dr. Monroe discusses the rise of predictive tools to plan for the future—like using AI to model team structures and optimize recruiter-to-sourcer ratios based on past performance data.

 

How are teams addressing talent shortages with skills-based hiring?

Evan notes that while skills-based hiring used to focus on expanding talent pools and improving diversity, the emphasis is now on closing critical workforce gaps—like AI fluency and advanced technical skills. He also shares early success stories from companies investing in upskilling and adjacent skill mapping.

Download the Skills-Based Hiring Toolkit for best practices on implementing skills-based hiring.

An important note: Hiring for skills only works if you can measure them. That’s why many teams are leaning into assessments—from behavioral interviews to technical evaluations—often powered by AI to ensure candidates truly have the capabilities they claim.

 

Why Communication Still Matters Most

While new tools and strategies are emerging, the experts made one thing clear: successful workforce planning still depends on strong cross-functional alignment. The panel emphasized how clearer, more frequent communication between TA, finance, and business leaders is often the difference-maker. And because solutions are highly industry-specific—i.e., what works in project-based consulting won’t necessarily apply to high-volume manufacturing—the best workforce planning is tailored, collaborative, and built to flex with business needs. 

To follow that part of the conversation, check out the webinar recording from 25:30.