People in Project Management Trends You Should Know About in 2025

The foundation of project management is changing. 2025 highlights significant trends and challenges that PMO leaders and project professionals need to navigate to adapt. Here are five key observations from the 2025 People in Project Management Report shaping what a successful people in project management strategy looks like.

Before diving in, if you’re interested in reading more about the trends and challenges identified in this report, you can download a complimentary copy.

Let’s dive into the report’s key observations:

Increasingly Competitive Talent Market:

As we step into 2025, hiring skilled project management talent remains fiercely competitive. 36% cited limited access to skills professionals with 22% citing high competition as their primary obstacles in project management talent acquisition. PMO leaders are encountering challenges in sourcing and securing professionals to fill critical roles within their organizations. The demand for qualified project managers continues to surpass the available talent pool, prompting leaders to explore innovative recruitment strategies. Which leads us to the next observation…

Role of Staffing Partners in Accelerating Recruitment:

To address the urgency of filling vacancies swiftly with top-tier talent, organizations are turning to staffing partners. These partners not only streamline the recruitment process but also provide access to a broader network of skilled project management professionals. This trend highlights a shift towards leveraging external expertise to meet immediate staffing needs effectively. Project professionals cited a 40% improvement in access to skilled professionals and quicker time to fill roles when utilizing a staffing partner.

Strained Resources Amid Growing Project Demands:

One of the biggest pressing issues facing PMOs continues to be the disparity between project demands and available resources. The increasing complexity and volume of projects across industries have stretched internal resources thin, exacerbating challenges in meeting project timelines and deliverables. This resourcing challenge continues, but organizations are identifying key solutions. In fact, the report highlights the increase utilization of contract resources for project based work filling resource gaps with expertise to ensure successful project delivery.

Minimal Investment in Project Talent Development:

Despite the critical role of project managers in driving organizational success, there is a noticeable trend of underinvestment in their professional development. Organizations are often focused on project outcomes rather than nurturing and upskilling their project management talent. With 26% citing there is no funding available for project management training. This gap poses long-term risks, as skilled project managers are essential for sustained project excellence and innovation.

Rise of Outsourced Project Delivery as the Norm:

In response to resource constraints and specialized project requirements, outsourcing project delivery has become increasingly prevalent across industries. Outsourcing allows organizations to access specialized expertise, scale resources as needed, and mitigate risks associated with complex projects. 68% of organizations report using outsourced or contract project managers according to The Pulse of Profession from PMI. This shift signifies a strategic adaptation to optimize efficiency and maintain competitiveness.

Navigating the Future of Project Management:

As we delve deeper into 2025, PMO leaders and professionals must remain agile and proactive in addressing these emerging trends. Embracing strategic partnerships, investing in talent development, and optimizing resource allocation will be pivotal in achieving sustainable project success. By staying familiar to these evolving dynamics, organizations can position themselves to thrive amidst the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of project management.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore these trends and provide insights into navigating the evolving landscape of project management in 2025 and beyond.