The future of work: workflow automation trends shaping 2025

The evolution of workflow automation is one of the most exciting developments impacting the business landscape today. This guide explores seven major workflow automation trends to adopt in 2025. But first, we’ll address your most commonly asked questions on the topic.

Key takeaways

• Recent statistics highlight the impact of workflow automation across industries.
• Common obstacles to successfully implement this technology include technical issues, resistance to change, and security concerns.
• There are seven major workflow automation trends predicted to help businesses excel in 2025.

What are some statistics that highlight the importance of workflow automation?

Recent workflow automation statistics highlight the technology’s impact across industries. Consider the following:

• The global workflow automation market size was valued at $20.3 billion in 2023, and it’s predicted to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.1% between 2024 and 2032.
• Nearly two-thirds of CFOs say automating tasks is a strategic priority.
• Cloud technologies — including cloud-based workflow automation platforms — are the most widely-adopted emerging technology as of 2023, with global spending estimated to exceed $560 billion.
• By 2026, 30% of enterprises will have automated more than half of their operations.
• 54% of office workers spend more time searching for files than on actual work, showing there’s a high demand for software to streamline document workflows.
• In 2023, HR department automation rose by 235%.

Automation is trending upward, and investing in the right solutions can make all the difference for your company’s success.

What challenges do businesses face when implementing workflow automation?

Workflow automation can help your business get ahead, but there are a few common obstacles to consider when implementing this technology. Here are top challenges to be aware of, along with suggestions to address these issues:

• Technical issues: Automation systems can experience bugs, glitches, and errors. To keep workflows on track, hire IT staff who can promptly handle these issues.
• Implementation costs: Upfront costs for workflow automation technology can be high. However, once implemented, the technology creates cost savings by increasing efficiency and reducing mistakes.
• Resistance to change: Employees accustomed to manual processes may struggle to adopt unfamiliar automation tools. Provide extensive training that empowers staff to leverage new time-saving technology.
• Integration with legacy systems: Using outdated systems that don’t integrate with modern platforms can prevent seamless implementation. To stay competitive, upgrade legacy solutions.
• Scalability: Your business will need a solution that can grow with it, so you don’t need to invest in new or different solutions to accommodate. Rather than choosing an automation platform that only meets current needs, look for software that scales with you to continue delivering value.
• Security and compliance concerns: Not all automation systems have strong security features to protect sensitive data from cybercriminals. Keep industry regulations and compliance in mind when looking to invest in an upgrade or new solution.

Many emerging trends in workflow automation will help solve the challenges described above. Keep reading to find out what to plan for next year.

7 automated workflow trends to adopt in 2025

Ready to get ahead of the curve? From developments that make technology more accessible to new features gaining traction, here are seven workflow automation trends predicted to take center stage in 2025.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

AI and ML advancements will create more effective workflows. In the past few years, these technologies have seen exciting advancements that improve efficiency, productivity, and product quality. By automatically extracting new insights from data, AI and ML provide valuable decision-making support to optimize daily processes.

Businesses looking to lean into this trend should adopt workflow management solutions that use intelligent automation to enhance operations.

Related read: Transform your business with AI workflow automation

2. Low-code and no-code platforms

Workflow automation platforms that require little to no coding expertise are on the rise, making automation technology more accessible to non-technical teams.

Hiring staff with coding expertise will be a challenge in the coming year as the current IT skills crisis is projected to continue. You can still save time and money with automation tools — just choose user-friendly solutions that any employee can quickly learn to navigate.

3. Enhanced Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Organizations have used RPA to handle rule-based manual tasks for years, but AI and ML present new, exciting opportunities.

Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) combines RPA, AI, ML, and Digital Process Automation (DPA) to automate labor-intensive tasks and optimize how these are performed over time. Like RPA, IPA is ideal for repetitive activities such as moving files to a specific folder or copying data from one system to another. It allows companies to rapidly scale this type of automation, increasing use cases without the need for additional coding or software upgrades.

IPA builds on a foundation of RPA. Once you have implemented RPA extensively, integrate other technologies to develop automation that makes business operations more agile.

4. Hyperautomation

Combining AI, ML, low-code platforms, and RPA lets more organizations maximize the benefits of automation. Hyperautomation brings these technologies together to streamline as many processes within a company as possible. Because this trend involves looking into every aspect of operations and applying different tools, it can be a considerable undertaking.

A lack of resources, poor data quality, and difficulty choosing software products can all be barriers to implementing hyperautomation effectively. However, making the investment eliminates human error and lets staff devote the bulk of their time to meaningful, creative work rather than manual tasks.

Hyperautomation is a priority for 90% of large enterprises in 2024. Moving into 2025, organizations across sectors will continue implementing this strategy, bringing it into the mainstream.

5. Advanced security and compliance features

As cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated, automation platforms will place greater emphasis on cybersecurity and compliance features.

More hackers are starting to use AI and ML tools, increasing the likelihood of data breaches. As a result, regulations are evolving to mandate stronger cybersecurity. To protect sensitive information and avoid legal issues, every potential access point for cybercriminals must be secured, including workflow automation systems.

Here are some of the most important security and compliance features for 2025:

• Strong encryption: Use automation systems with 256-bit encryption to guarantee data will be protected in transit and storage. This helps to meet strict regulatory requirements.
• Multi-factor authentication: Require log-in confirmation on multiple devices to prevent cybercriminals from getting into workflow automation systems with stolen credentials.
• Audit trails: Set up automation tools to record every instance of document access and alteration. This makes it simpler to comply with recent regulations mandating businesses report cybersecurity incidents to government agencies.
• Built-in compliance: Buy from vendors that frequently update automation tools to meet the latest legal requirements. Built-in compliance saves time and provides peace of mind.

6. Cloud-based storage and solutions

As businesses implement new technologies, cloud-based solutions will allow for much-needed flexibility and scalability.

AI and ML require a lot of data, which leads to increased demand for storage. Because cloud storage can be conveniently expanded on a pay-as-you-go basis, more companies will turn to cloud solutions as they implement AI- and ML-powered workflow automation.

Furthermore, with the rise of remote work, it’s important for employees to access time-saving automations from anywhere. Cloud-based tools make it possible to achieve this without compromising high security standards.

Related read: Great security doesn't have to get in the way of a great user experience

7. Increased personalization

Because more customers prefer companies that offer customized experiences, businesses will increasingly use automation to tailor products and services to specific audience segments.

Technology can quickly pull from databases, personalizing everything from advertisements to customer service interactions. This gives you the power to promote customer loyalty by forming more meaningful connections with buyers.

To follow this trend and boost customer satisfaction, start with a strong strategy for gathering client data. Next, implement automations that leverage the data so you can create customized experiences faster.

Related read: What is hyper-personalization? Benefits and key features explained

Take action on 2025 workflow automation trends

Keeping up with workflow trends is critical as technology evolves. From solutions incorporating AI and ML to cloud-based technologies that unlock next-level scalability, keeping up with changes means you stay competitive.

Sharefile can help you stay at the forefront of your industry: our secure, intuitive workflow automation software gives teams the power to reach new levels of efficiency and productivity. The time is now to invest in cutting-edge solutions and take advantage of emerging trends.