In 2024, businesses had to adapt to major shifts in both workforce management and security needs. Cost pressures, changing employee expectations and increasing security threats pushed organisations to look for better ways to manage their staff and protect their premises.
The response has been significant. Businesses of all sizes have moved away from traditional systems, seeking solutions that offer better efficiency, reduced costs and improved security. This shift has been particularly notable in two key areas: how organisations manage their workforce and how they control access to their facilities.
These changes have created new opportunities and challenges. As we move into 2025, organisations must carefully consider how they can best support their employees while maintaining robust security measures.
The cloud revolution has fundamentally transformed how organisations approach workforce management. More than nine in ten companies in leading sectors now utilise cloud technology, with Gartner predicting it will become a “business necessity” by 2028.
This transformation is particularly evident in Human Capital Management (HCM), where investment in cloud-based solutions continues to surge. The global Cloud HCM market, valued at $17 billion in 2022, continues to grow and is projected to reach $30 billion by 2027, This significant growth underscores the increasing confidence organisations place in cloud-based workforce management solutions.
While initial cloud adoption was often driven by immediate business needs, organisations are now tapping into these environments for their powerful capabilities in data analytics and artificial intelligence. AI-driven analytics are changing how businesses approach workforce management, offering data-driven insights into employee engagement, talent acquisition, and retention strategies. By automating routine administrative tasks, HCM solutions are freeing HR teams to focus on strategic initiatives that drive business value.
Away from the cloud, employee experience has taken centre stage in workforce management strategies. Organisations increasingly recognise that security measures must balance robust protection with user-friendly interfaces. This shift has led to the development of more intuitive systems that streamline daily processes while maintaining high security standards. From simplified check-in procedures to automated time tracking, the focus has been on reducing friction in everyday workplace interactions.
Integrating biometric solutions with traditional access control systems marked a significant advancement in physical security during 2024. Facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and other biometric technologies have become more sophisticated and cost-effective, enabling organisations of all sizes to implement enhanced security measures. These solutions offer improved accuracy and security while reducing the risk of credential sharing or theft.
Mobile credentials have moved from an emerging technology to a mainstream solution, with two-thirds (64%) of US companies reporting some level of mobile ID deployment and an expectation that figure will rise to 79% over the next five years. The widespread adoption of smartphone-based access credentials has transformed how organisations manage facility access. This shift has simplified credential management, reduced administrative overhead, and improved security through features like multi-factor authentication and real-time access control.
Zero-trust security architecture has expanded from IT security into physical access control, with almost two-thirds (63%) of organisations worldwide adopting the strategy. This approach, requiring continuous verification rather than assuming trust based on network location or credentials, has become increasingly important in physical security systems. Organisations now implement more granular access controls and continuous monitoring to protect their facilities and assets.
Cloud-based access control solutions have gained significant traction, offering improved scalability and flexibility. These systems provide real-time monitoring, simplified management, and enhanced integration capabilities while reducing the need for extensive on-premises infrastructure.
Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and automation are set to reshape workforce analytics in 2025. These technologies will enable more sophisticated pattern recognition, anomaly detection, and predictive analytics, helping organisations optimise workforce management and security operations. From predicting staffing needs to identifying potential security risks, AI will play an increasingly important role.
Advanced authentication methods will continue to evolve, combining multiple factors for enhanced security. Integrating biometrics, mobile credentials, and behavioural analytics will provide more robust security while maintaining user convenience. These systems will become more contextually aware, adapting security requirements based on factors like location, time, and user behaviour.
Sustainability in security infrastructure will become a key consideration. Organisations will increasingly seek energy-efficient solutions and environmentally conscious security systems. This includes adopting smart building technologies that optimise energy usage while maintaining security standards.
Data privacy regulations will continue to evolve, requiring organisations to implement more sophisticated data protection measures. Balancing security requirements with privacy concerns will become more complex, particularly in the context of biometric data and employee monitoring.
Cross-functional integration of security systems will accelerate, creating more comprehensive security ecosystems. This includes integrating physical security, IT security, and business systems, providing a more holistic approach to organisational security.
When evaluating and upgrading current systems, organisations should:
To thrive in 2025, organisations should:
Leverage AI and advanced analytics
Optimise workforce management and security with predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and smarter decision-making tools.
Prioritise integrated, user-friendly systems
Enhance security and employee experience with solutions that streamline processes, simplify access, and reduce friction in daily operations.
Adopt scalable, sustainable solutions
Invest in technologies that support business growth while maintaining energy efficiency and adaptability to future advancements.
Contact Grosvenor Technology to learn how our innovative HCM and Access Control systems can future-proof your organisation, enhance employee experience, and ensure robust, scalable solutions that position you for success in 2025 and beyond.