7 Things I’m Watching in June 2025
7 themes that Could impact your career or what you are doing now.
June feels like a neutral month…
The big push of Q1 is behind us. The year still has room to grow.
The sun is out (depending on where you are).
Here in Sweden, the sense of OMG THE SUMMER IS COMING is already spreading around everyone.
I can feel it!
But behind that comfortable rhythm, shifts are happening.
And most people won’t notice them until it’s too late.
If you lead, manage, or want to grow your influence, June 2025 is a month to stay awake.
Some things I am watching for June 2025:
1. The AI Act Starts Now (And It Changes More Than You Think)
The European Union’s AI Act, passed in 2024, is now being enforced.
As of June 2025, any company using artificial intelligence in the hiring process, employee monitoring, or performance evaluations must follow strict rules.
The key ones? More transparency, human involvement, and clear explanations.
You might think this only matters if you live in Europe.
But many global companies operate in the EU, which means these changes could touch your tools, your processes, or your experience at work.
What to watch:
Is your company using AI for evaluations or filtering resumes?
Are you part of a team building or buying AI-driven software?
Is your HR or compliance team talking about AI lately?
What you can do:
Ask if any systems or tools at work are changing because of the law
If you’re in hiring or tech, check that your team is reviewing compliance
Learn the basics of what the AI Act means, so you’re not caught off guard
2. Mid-Year Reviews Matter More Than We Think
June is when most mid-year reviews happen. And while some people treat them like a check-the-box exercise, smart professionals use them to reset the stage.
According to a February 2025 study by Gartner, employees who prepare with clear examples of results are nearly 50% more likely to be considered for new roles or responsibilities later.
Here’s the thing: managers are busy. They might forget the great thing you did back in February. Unless you remind them.
What to prepare:
A short story or two that shows how your work created real results
One clear request: a project, responsibility, or skill you want to grow into
A question for your manager: What should I focus on in the second half?
What you can do:
Schedule time to reflect before your review, not the night before
Focus on outcomes, not just effort
Use this moment to reset or step up, even in a small way
3. Internal Moves Are Quietly Growing
The job market is still slow in many places, but inside companies, things are moving.
New projects start, teams shift, and people get tapped for stretch assignments, all without official job posts.
LinkedIn’s April 2025 Workplace Learning Report said 64% of learning leaders are investing more in internal mobility.
Not just because it’s cost-effective, but because people already inside the business tend to move faster and need less onboarding.
This means opportunities might be right next to you. But only if someone knows you’re interested.
What to watch:
New initiatives kicking off internally
Colleagues being pulled into cross-team projects
Leadership changes that might open up space
What you can do:
Tell your manager you’re open to a change or challenge
Connect with peers in other teams and ask what they’re working on
Volunteer for a task force, even if it’s outside your comfort zone
4. June Is a Window for External Job Moves
If you’re thinking of switching jobs, June could be your chance.
In much of Europe and North America, hiring slows down in July and August. Managers go on vacation. Budgets go into planning. Timelines stretch.
Glassdoor reported in May 2025 that applications in June see 15% higher response rates compared to July.
So this month, things are still moving. But just for a while.
What to prepare:
A refreshed LinkedIn profile (especially your headline and summary)
A short message you can use to reconnect with someone in your network
A clear idea of what kind of role or team you’re looking for
What you can do:
Apply now, before summer silence kicks in
Reconnect with someone who works in a company you admire
Use the longer daylight hours to write or reflect, not just scroll
5. Learning Budgets Are on the Table
June is not just about performance. It’s also about money.
Many companies take this time to review how much budget is left for training and development.
Some still have funds they haven’t used. Others are setting plans for the rest of the year.
Deloitte’s April 2025 survey found that 58% of companies review or shift learning budgets mid-year.
This might be the moment to ask, before everything is already allocated.
What to watch:
Internal announcements about L&D programs or learning platforms
Conversations around team goals for Q3 and Q4
Your own calendar: where do you feel stuck or slow?
What you can do:
Look for one course, workshop, or certification that aligns with your work
Make a short case to your manager on how it helps your team
If you get a yes, share what you learn with others
6. Hybrid Work Rules Are Being Rewritten (Again)
One last thing to pay attention to: work policies.
Many companies are revisiting their flexible work models this month. Some are asking people to return more often. Others are locking in hybrid options to keep talent.
A PwC survey from May 2025 showed that 43% of employers are planning to change their hybrid or remote policies this summer.
That means decisions are being made now, even if they won’t be announced for weeks.
What to reflect on:
What kind of work setup helps you perform at your best?
Do you have examples of results from working remotely or hybrid?
Have you shared that clearly with your manager?
What you can do:
Prepare your case, not emotionally, but with outcomes
Bring it up early, before decisions are final
Stay flexible, but don’t stay silent if something is not working
7. AI Tools Are Now a Basic Skill (Fast?)
A few years ago, using AI tools felt like experimenting. Now it feels like falling behind if you’re not.
Whether it’s summarizing meeting notes, automating reports, or helping with research, AI is being used more and more, even in roles that aren’t technical.
A March 2025 report from McKinsey showed that over 75% of professionals are expected to use at least one AI tool in their daily work.
This isn’t about becoming an expert. It’s about getting familiar.
What to try:
Use an AI tool to plan or summarize your next presentation
Ask a teammate which tool they’re using and why
Explore how AI shows up in your current tools (Google Docs, Notion, etc.)
What you can do:
Block 30 minutes this week to test one new tool
Don’t just watch a tutorial, try it on something real
Share what worked (or didn’t) with your team
Want to make AI a real part of your daily routine, not just theory?
Hit reply, message me, or whatever you prefer, and tell me the one place in your work or life where you wish AI could help you more.
I’ll pick a few replies to answer directly, with my favorite prompts and some quick, actionable ideas tailored to your challenge. Maybe we can do some cool ideas together?
This is a free and open article, so I want to check… Was this reading worth a cup of coffee?
A Quiet Month That Isn’t So Quiet
You don’t need to act on all seven things. You probably shouldn’t.
But maybe you act on one.
Maybe you ask for something.
Maybe you can offer something.
Maybe you notice something that others miss.
Careers rarely move in straight lines. They move in moments. June gives you a few of them, if you’re looking.
So ask yourself, before the month disappears: is there something I can do now that I’ll be glad I did later?
And if the answer is yes, even a small one, start there. That’s enough.
Let June be your quiet advantage.