The turn of the year is a time for reflection, forecasts, and predictions. Experts from the SWPS University in various fields predict what the upcoming year will bring. In Polish politics, the most important events will be the presidential elections and Poland’s presidency of the EU. Media experts may find interest in ownership changes in the television market, while Donald Trump’s presidency in the USA could influence many aspects of Asian politics. Experts from the SWPS University also explain why 2025 will see changes in approaches to talent and people management, and how workplaces will combat employee burnout. Mental health will be a significant topic next year, especially in the context of funding, prevention, and the lack of specialists. And how will we relax? By reading fantastic books or those presenting stories of so-called ordinary people. Meanwhile, our tables will feature flavors such as spicy, sweet and tangy, and umami, along with the exotic taste of tamarind.
What Will Polish Politics Face in 2025
The most important political event in Poland next year will be the May presidential elections, according to Ewelina Nowakowska, a political scientist and anthropologist of politics at SWPS University. The expert points out that these elections will shape the country’s political landscape. A victory for a liberal camp representative will shift the balance of power decisively to the left. Conversely, a win by the opposition’s candidate will result in a more balanced system, with the president serving as a check on governmental actions.
Everything indicates that these elections will once again be confrontational, involving two politically opposed electorates. Judging by the early election campaign, this is shaping up to be the most ruthless and uncompromising political showdown between two factions originating from the former Solidarity movement. A separate issue will be the participation of young voters, without whom a liberal victory seems uncertain. The previous practices of the Civic Platform (KO) government do not inspire optimism in this regard. PiS candidate Karol Nawrocki has a strong starting position (despite negative public image assessments), which may enable him to win this confrontation, provided his campaign avoids the mistakes likely to be made by his opponent (megalomania, ignoring real social problems). – says the political scientist.
Another key event will be Poland’s presidency of the EU. In addition to its prestigious significance, political leadership in the EU imposes responsibilities but also offers opportunities. The most important opportunity is the ability to influence the shape of European policy in a rapidly radicalizing world: the war in Ukraine, the Middle East situation, the USA-China confrontation, and the future of dominant ideas (Green Deal, China’s expansion, etc.), the expert notes.
She also emphasizes that Donald Trump’s presidency will shape the global framework of the future, both politically and economically. Key areas include global confrontation with China, the role of the USA as a “world policeman,” and internal U.S. issues such as growing social inequalities, immigration problems, and attitudes toward global corporations and ideologies (inclusiveness, woke culture, gender issues).
Important topics will continue to include the war in Ukraine, which not only politically destabilizes Europe but also involves the activity of global players, primarily the USA and China. Whether the eventual resolution of the conflict will fall on European states or involve global powers like the USA remains to be seen. It also raises questions about Donald Trump’s role and his administration’s approach to this process. – highlights Nowakowska.
According to the researcher, the economic and political consequences of the EU’s Green Deal and agreements like Mercosur will also be significant. Such agreements may have negative outcomes for European agriculture, favoring cheap products from Latin America and Ukraine at the expense of domestic economies. This could exacerbate protests and strikes by European farmers that have been ongoing for months, concludes Nowakowska.
The Year 2025 in Asia
East Asia’s economy and the global economy will be influenced primarily by the dynamics between President Donald Trump’s administration and Beijing. Further tariffs on selected Chinese products in the USA could lead to a slowdown in China’s economic growth, forcing Chinese exporters to find alternative markets, which poses a threat to European economies’ competitiveness. Deepening technological rivalry and the regionalization of production are additional variables jeopardizing global economic stability, says Dr. Marcin Jacoby, an SWPS University sinologist and translator. He notes uncertainty surrounding the political crisis in South Korea. – Combined with D. Trump’s presidency, significant changes in regional policies are likely, especially a weakening of the USA-Japan-South Korea alliance. Hotspots will include Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the Korean Peninsula, though Trump’s administration may focus on economic and technological areas, reducing military tensions. A spectacular deal—costly for China but bringing new stability to US-China relations—cannot be ruled out, adds the researcher.
Polish Media in 2025
The coming year promises to be a time of intense challenges for journalism in Poland and globally. Eyes will be on ownership changes in the electronic media market. It is likely that TVN and Polsat—two major players in the market—could change owners. While the government tries to prevent uncontrolled takeovers by investors linked to undemocratic regimes, any significant market change raises questions about its impact on the entire sector and the content broadcast by these media outlets. The first half of 2025 will be dominated by the presidential campaign. The direction of political and media law changes will depend on who replaces Andrzej Duda in office. If a candidate linked to the current ruling coalition wins, significant reforms of the broadcasting law, including changes in the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT), are expected. – forecasts Dr. Michał Chlebowski, a media expert from SWPS University.
The expert adds that global media changes will be driven by political and technological factors. Leadership change in the USA and developments in conflict regions will set the main tasks for global journalism. In technology, the influence of AI tools on journalism and the decisions of media conglomerate owners will shape the industry. Traditional linear television may increasingly become a liability rather than an asset for these companies, leading to sales of TV stations and a focus on streaming platforms and digital products, the expert predicts.
Workplace Challenges in 2025
The year 2025 will bring significant changes in people and talent management. Patrycja Załuska, an expert in management from SWPS University, identifies three key challenges in the employment sector:
- The duality and ethical use of AI – The optimization of employees’ time and the automation of tasks via AI have already become a reality in many companies. However, these benefits continue to evoke strong emotions among employees, such as fears about losing their established roles or jobs. Organizations should transparently communicate the modifications related to new solutions, their impact on the business model, and provide employees with prospects for growth and competence transformation, explains the labor market expert.
- Engagement driven by fear rather than development – Growing uncertainty from rapid changes increases fears about job security. Paradoxically, while employee engagement is rising, it is fueled by fears, fostering survival attitudes rather than genuine growth. Companies will need to focus on creating secure environments where employees feel connected to their teams and organizations, cultivating a sense of belonging, says Załuska.
- Strategic development over training checklists – Development programs (L&D) are becoming essential not just for talent acquisition but also for retention. Employees expect the promises made during recruitment to be fulfilled, as stated in the Employee Value Proposition (EVP). Leaders must create fear-free environments that authentically reflect the EVP’s values. Workplaces should emphasize collaboration over hierarchy and trust over excessive control, adds Załuska.
Strategic HR and L&D departments will play a pivotal role in this transformation, providing leaders with tools to adapt to new trends and leadership styles. Leaders who quickly embrace these changes will have a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent, the researcher concludes.
Addressing Burnout in the Workplace
Amid rapid changes in the labor market and increasing employee workload worldwide, burnout is becoming one of the biggest challenges of the future. Its negative effects impact workers’ physical and mental health, strain personal relationships, and reduce productivity, ultimately affecting employers.
In the coming decade, burnout will increasingly be seen as a systemic issue requiring both preventative measures and support for employees returning to work after experiencing it. More companies are taking concrete steps to prevent burnout and integrate mental health initiatives into human resource management policies, says Dr. Malwina Puchalska-Kamińska, a psychologist and business trainer from SWPS University’s Faculty of Psychology in Sopot.
The expert highlights key trends in addressing burnout through modern management approaches that prioritize employee well-being:
- Technology supporting mental health – Employers are investing in apps and platforms that manage stress, promote meditation, and monitor employees’ emotional well-being.
- A workplace culture based on empathy and dialogue – Organizations are fostering open relationships within teams, implementing programs that promote empathy, regular feedback conversations, and access to mentors or psychological advisors.
- Support for returning to work post-burnout – Companies are developing reintegration programs that include tailored workloads and psychological support to help employees transition back to full productivity.
- Redefining productivity – Employers are moving away from measuring effectiveness solely by hours worked, focusing instead on quality, innovation, and a balance between productivity and employee well-being.
- Preventative programs – Organizations are introducing training on stress management, job crafting, relaxation techniques, and mindful work planning to address burnout before it manifests.
Mental Health as a Key Topic in 2025
In the field of mental health, 2025 will likely see ongoing discussions about regulating psychologists and psychotherapists in Poland. I hope these discussions will also lead to concrete legislative solutions. In treating mental health disorders, new technologies, such as apps supporting mental health and psychotherapy, are becoming increasingly common. The use of methods like TMS or tDCS to stimulate the nervous system for mental health treatment will likely expand as well, says psychologist Dr. Jarosław Michałowski, a professor at SWPS University’s Faculty of Psychology and Law in Poznań.
The expert notes that the public will likely pay more attention to mental health prevention. However, the shortage of specialists, such as psychiatrists and psychotherapists, remains a significant challenge. Although the number of medical students specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry has increased in the past few years, it is uncertain whether this will suffice to address the growing mental health challenges among Generation Z, Michałowski adds.
What Will We Read in 2025
Dr. Marta Błaszkowska-Nawrocka, a literature scholar from SWPS University’s Interdisciplinary Faculty in Kraków, observes that recent years have seen high interest in stories about so-called ordinary people. I’m referring primarily to biographical and reportage-style books such as “Chłopki” by Joanna Kuciel-Frydryszak or “Hanka” by Maciej Jakubowiak. I believe this trend will continue, but it won’t be the only direction for readers. Fantasy literature is making a strong comeback. Andrzej Sapkowski’s latest novel became a bestseller despite a lack of major promotional campaigns, she notes.
The expert highlights the growing popularity of debut authors and magazines like “Nowa Fantastyka.” Many readers are drawn to fantasy works that extend into other media like films, series, or games. Often, people read the original novels after seeing their Netflix adaptations, Błaszkowska-Nawrocka adds.
What Will We Eat in 2025
Regarding gastronomy, the food industry continues to see trends such as plant-based diets, zero waste, sustainability, and localism. Since the pandemic, functional foods and dietary supplements have gained importance. Initially focused on gut health, these products now include those improving sleep quality, skin health (e.g., collagen-based products), and neuroprotective properties, says Dr. Magdalena Tomaszewska-Bolałek, head of Food Studies at SWPS University.
Key culinary trends for 2025 include protein drinks, non-alcoholic wines, potato-based plant drinks, canned fish, snack boards, matcha, and dumplings. The most popular cuisines will likely remain Asian, particularly Japanese, Korean, and Indian. The defining flavors of 2025 will include spicy, sweet and tangy, umami, tamarind, saffron, dill, turmeric, pandan, and brown sugar. Many people will seek cooking inspiration online, especially from short videos showcasing quick, economical recipes, she predicts.
