EP14: The November 2025 Reckoning: The Four Forces Reshaping Work Right Now

Is the world of work experiencing a normal cycle—or are we in the middle of a true workforce reckoning? In this solo episode of Now to Next, Jason Averbook breaks down the four converging forces that are reshaping work faster than organizations can respond: collapsing workforce engagement, real-time job and skills restructuring, and the breakdown of the early-career pipeline. Jason calls this moment the “November 2025 Reckoning”—not because of hype, but because the data, signals, and lived experiences from leaders around the world show that organizations are hitting a wall. And it’s not AI causing the storm; AI is only accelerating cracks that were already forming. Speaking directly and candidly, Jason offers clarity on what’s happening, why it matters, and what leaders must do now to prepare their workforce for what’s coming next.

Host Bio:

Jason Averbook is a globally recognized thought leader, advisor, and keynote speaker focused on the intersection of AI, human potential, and the future of work. He is the Senior Partner and Global Leader of Digital HR Strategy at Mercer, where he helps the world’s largest organizations reimagine how work gets done — not by simply implementing technology, but by transforming mindsets, skillsets, and cultures to be truly digital.

Over the past two decades, Jason has advised hundreds of Fortune 1000 companies, co-founded and led Leapgen, authored two influential books on the evolution of HR and workforce technology, and built a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking voices in the industry. His mission is to challenge leaders to stop seeing digital transformation as an IT project — and start embracing it as a human strategy.

Follow Jason Averbook:

Substack: https://substack.com/@jasonaverbook X: https://x.com/jasonaverbook LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonaverbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonaverbook YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nowtonextwithjasonaverbook Facebook: https://facebook.com/jasonaverbook

(0:00) Introduction (0:06) The November 25 reckoning and the perfect storm in the workforce (1:50) Jobs, skills, and the early career on ramp (3:21) AI as an accelerant and exposing transformation needs (6:13) Breaking down engagement issues and job market evolution (11:51) AI pressure and organizational readiness (15:01) The interconnected ecosystem of work and predictions for the near future (18:46) The cost of skill mismatches and transforming work (21:15) Challenge for the next seven days (22:16) Closing remarks