HOW THE ELECTION RESULTS WILL IMPACT THE WORKPLACE IN 2025
As Americans emerge from one of the most crucial elections in years, the 2024 results have left the country divided and uncertain about what the future holds. With Donald Trump securing victory in all seven swing states, many citizens and businesses are bracing for sweeping policy changes that could reshape our nation’s workplaces. The outcome has amplified mixed emotions across the country. In times like these, it’s natural to feel unsettled and lost. Political change doesn’t just affect Capitol Hill; it ripples into the everyday realities of the American workforce, our homes, and our day-to-day lives. At Monday, we’re always going to keep it real with you and let you know how certain currents affect the workplace and hiring landscape. Below is our take on how the results of this year's election can impact the workplace in 2025.
Impacts on Workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives
Throughout this election season, DEI initiatives have faced significant backlash. Last year, Donald Trump appointed Supreme Court justices who overturned affirmative action, and his plans for reshaping these policies don’t end there. Trump intends to push for a binary, two-gender framework, which could severely impact protections for the LGBTQ+ community. Without supportive policies in the workplace, LGBTQ+ employees could face challenges related to pronoun use, restroom access, and mental health support, creating a less inclusive work environment. In recent months, many companies have already reduced or reversed DEI commitments, and with this administration’s stance, Americans should anticipate more of this trend. This shift is especially concerning given that by 2025, Gen Z will represent around 27% of the workforce. A generation that values inclusivity, advocacy, and fair workplace practices, Gen Z may push for more diversity in workplaces. While companies may not see immediate impacts, research shows that diverse workplaces tend to thrive, particularly in areas like work ethic, innovation, and overall work environment, compared to those that do not prioritize DEI initiatives.
Worker Rights and Immigration Policies
On his first day in office, Trump plans to implement a policy of mass deportation, aiming to remove millions of undocumented individuals from the country. This action could severely disrupt the workforce, as 4.4% of workers are undocumented. Industries that rely heavily on these workers, particularly food and labor services, will likely experience significant shortages, negatively impacting production and consumer prices. Undocumented workers contribute $97 billion a year in federal taxes; this removal would cause a large setback in the economy. The impacts extend beyond the workplace. Currently, 5.1 million children in the U.S. live with an undocumented family member. The emotional, physical, and economic toll on these children would be immense, creating a wave of challenges for families and communities across the nation.
Trump has proposed a 10% to 20% tariff on imports, which could significantly affect the U.S. economy and trade relations. A 10% tariff alone could increase inflation by 0.8% next year, raising costs for electronics and clothing and impacting all income levels. U.S. manufacturers relying on imports would face higher costs, reduced competitiveness, and disruptions in production. This proposal could also strain trade relations, particularly with major partners like China, potentially destabilizing the economy and increasing pressure on American businesses and workers.
Employee Rights and Workforce Diversity
In his previous term, Trump worked to weaken unions and limit collective bargaining by supporting right-to-work laws and appointing corporate-friendly figures to key federal labor positions. Project 2025 outlines more aggressive steps to weaken unions, such as reclassifying federal employees to remove civil service protections, making terminations easier. This approach could encourage private employers to resist union influence further, reducing job security for federal employees and eroding union power. If implemented, these policies could have major consequences for American workers, particularly in unionized industries. Reduced protections, benefits, and collective bargaining rights could discourage union activity in fields like manufacturing, education, and public services, potentially altering the balance of power between employers and workers long-term.
The 2024 election results mark a turning point for American workplaces and the labor market, with potential drastic changes in the next few months. Trump’s policies on DEI, worker rights, immigration, and tariffs could dramatically reshape the employment landscape. DEI rollbacks may reduce workplace inclusivity, while immigration policies could disrupt key industries reliant on undocumented labor, affecting productivity and economic stability. Proposed tariffs could drive up consumer prices and operational costs for U.S. businesses, straining both households and the manufacturing sector.
As these policies take shape, adaptability will be crucial for both businesses and employees as we face the next wave of changes to the American economy, society, and way of life. It's essential to keep advocating, supporting each other, and standing together in solidarity.
