Is emotional intelligence a characteristic you see across your organisation? Is it something you feel confident in yourself? If the answer is “no”, “uncertain”, or only “sometimes”, it may be time to make emotional intelligence (EQ) development a priority for 2025. And even if you answered “yes,” we discuss three key reasons why EQ should stay on your radar.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage your emotions effectively. The EQ-i 2.0 model, an internationally recognised framework for assessing emotional intelligence, evaluates EQ across five key areas: Self-Perception, Self-Expression, Interpersonal, Decision Making, and Stress Management. Individuals with high emotional intelligence typically demonstrate a stronger awareness of their emotions and how these impact others, form meaningful relationships, solve problems effectively, and manage stress well.
A New Era: Beyond IQ
Historically, IQ was the primary measure associated with performance and leadership potential. However, recent studies indicate that individuals with higher levels of emotional intelligence not only surpass their peers in these areas, but also in well-being, resilience, earning potential, and job satisfaction. Today, EQ is widely considered the critical factor that distinguishes good performers from outstanding ones, underscoring its role in achieving long-term success in both people’s careers and personal lives.
1) Hybrid and Remote working
Prior to 2019, only 4.7% of UK employees worked from home. Fast forward to 2024, and the Office for National Statistics reports that over a quarter of Great Britain’s workforce now works in a hybrid setup. In the U.S., a McKinsey study found that 87% of employees seize the opportunity to work flexibly when given the chance. With benefits like improved work-life balance and enhanced well-being, hybrid and remote working seem set to stay.
So, how can developing emotional intelligence support this new way of working?
In hybrid and remote work environments, self-awareness and flexibility are essential. Individuals with high EQ are more likely to manage their time effectively, stay productive and work independently. High EQ is also linked to adaptability, making it easier to transition between different tasks and environments.
One of the greatest challenges in hybrid and remote work is isolation, which can lead to a breakdown in communication between teams and leaders. Leaders with high emotional intelligence can counteract this by maintaining engagement, actively reaching out, showing empathy and boosting motivation. They’re more attuned to team dynamics and individual differences, allowing them to communicate more effectively and foster a sense of connection and belonging in their teams.
As hybrid and remote work continue to shape the modern workplace, emotional intelligence will be crucial for creating resilient, cohesive teams that thrive regardless of location.
2) AI and Automation
In 2024, artificial intelligence (AI) has been a major buzzword—some view it with apprehension, while others embrace it wholeheartedly. As we approach 2025, the question isn’t whether AI will continue to integrate into the workplace, but rather how prepared we are for its impact—and where emotional intelligence fits in.
While artificial intelligence is designed to work autonomously and solve problems through data, skills like empathy, self-awareness, and optimism are essential differentiators that AI cannot replicate. EQ remains critical in adding a human-centric approach that is fundamental to an individual’s experiences in the workplace.
Emotionally intelligent employees and leaders can leverage AI to enhance efficiency, without losing sight of people’s needs. Individuals with high EQ are also more able to adapt to changes in technology and are better equipped to foster a supportive environment, where they can address others' concerns.
In 2025, emotional intelligence will be essential for adapting to AI while keeping the workplace fundamentally human-centred.
3) Diversity and Inclusion
Individuals with high emotional intelligence build stronger, more meaningful connections and collaborate effectively within diverse teams. This is a crucial quality as companies increasingly prioritise diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) practices. In 2025, DEIB is likely to continue as a core function of many organisations, ensuring that employees feel seen, heard and valued.
Emotionally intelligent employees bring the awareness and empathy to understand and appreciate differing perspectives. They tend to foster inclusive environments where all team members feel appreciated and empowered to contribute fully. Leaders with high EI are better equipped to address unconscious biases, promote equity, and cultivate a culture of respect and collaboration.
By enhancing emotional intelligence, organisations can unlock the benefits of a diverse workforce. Emotional intelligence, when integrated into DEIB efforts, ensures that organisations move beyond ticking boxes, to truly embracing the unique strengths individuals bring from different perspectives, backgrounds, and mindsets.
As workplaces continue to evolve, emotional intelligence helps employees adapt to new challenges, embrace continuous learning, and create inclusive, connected workplaces—qualities that will remain vital for organisational success well into the future.
In 2025, emotional intelligence isn’t just a “nice-to-have” but a must-have for those looking to thrive in an increasingly complex and digital world.
Developing emotional intelligence across your organisation can help ensure your teams stay resilient, adaptable, and connected, even as the workplace evolves. EQ Extra offers a practical way to get started, providing a series of video resources packed with tips and actionable steps to enhance emotional intelligence.
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