Aon highlights global megatrends shaping business risks in 2025
Aon has released its Client Trends 2025 report identifying four interconnected megatrends—Trade, Technology, Weather and Workforce—that are shaping the challenges faced by businesses and society.
The report examines how these trends combine to create complexity, volatility and uncertainty for organisations operating in New Zealand and globally.
Melissa Cantell, Chief Executive Officer of New Zealand at Aon, highlighted the increasing recognition among local businesses of the interconnected nature of these challenges. Cantell stated, "We're seeing more New Zealand businesses recognise that these challenges aren't happening in isolation, they're all connected. Not only does this make decision-making tougher, but it also makes it more important than ever."
She further explained the opportunities available to leaders who are prepared to consider the broader context of these challenges. "The good news is, when leaders take a step back and look at the bigger picture, there's real opportunity. With the right insights and support, they can move with more confidence, adapt faster and turn uncertainty into action," Cantell said.
Aon's analysis draws from its expertise in risk capital and human capital to provide perspectives on where the megatrends of Trade, Technology, Weather, and Workforce intersect and how this intersection influences decision-making within organisations.
The intersection of Trade and Technology is driving significant innovation in global supply chains, according to the report. These advancements are delivering efficiencies but also introducing new risks. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a core enabler, supporting businesses to navigate increasingly complex regulatory environments, new trade laws, evolving privacy regulations, as well as threats from cyber-attacks and the potential for global trade wars.
The report details a shift in the relationship between Technology and Workforce, driven primarily by AI adoption within human resources functions. Organisations are deploying AI to enhance processes in talent acquisition and employee engagement. This trend is not only bringing greater efficiency but also placing an emphasis on upskilling employees to work collaboratively with AI systems. The report notes that for companies seeking to benefit from this transformation, adapting the workforce to incorporate technical skills and maintaining human oversight are crucial to fostering effective decision-making and encouraging innovation.
Weather and Workforce is another intersection highlighted by Aon, with extreme weather events reported as becoming more frequent and resulting in higher costs. Findings from Aon's 2025 Climate and Catastrophe Insight report are referenced, stating that global economic losses in 2024 reached approximately NZD$622 billion. Employers, concerned with employee wellbeing, retention and productivity, are facing challenges as weather events impact not only the physical health of employees but also their emotional and financial security.
The link between Weather and Trade is also flagged as a growing area of risk. The report notes that climate volatility has a significant impact on global trade, stressing the interconnectedness of international supply chains and exposing the potential financial risks associated with extreme weather events. Organisations are responding by embedding climate risk assessments into their strategic planning processes and creating more diversified supply chains. Aon reports that by anticipating and understanding the likely effect of weather disruptions, companies are improving their ability to maintain resilient trade operations in uncertain conditions.
