A forward-looking piece tying together annual trends, predicting where OD is heading (AI, resilience, ecosystem thinking).

As we approach the end of 2025, several major developments have reshaped the field of Organizational Development (OD). Rapid technological advancements, evolving work cultures in the post-COVID era, and a heightened focus on purpose-driven leadership are transforming how organizations operate and grow [1][2][3]. These shifts are unfolding amid a backdrop of global uncertainty, marked by unstable international relations, economic pressures, and widespread job insecurity [4][5].

In this environment, organizations are being pushed to rethink how they lead, adapt, and support their people. The external pressures of volatility and change have accelerated the demand for greater agility, innovation, and resilience. As a result, emerging OD trends now emphasize adaptability, employee well-being, and long-term sustainability.

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the focus of Organizational Development will continue to evolve from reactive problem-solving toward a proactive, holistic, and human-centered approach. Leaders will need to cultivate adaptive mindsets that empower their organizations to embrace transformation rather than be disrupted by it.

Key trends to watch include:

• Enhancing human–AI collaboration

• Strengthening leadership adaptability in environments of uncertainty and ambiguity (exploring models such as VUCA, BANI, and PAST)

• Designing sustainable hybrid work cultures

• Promoting proactive transparency and trust

• Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)

To spark ongoing dialogue and shared learning, we will feature a new trending topic in Organizational Development each month to drive engagement and encourage our community to exchange insights and experiences.

As part of this series, we are also seeking collaborators who can provide deeper insights into these topics or propose new areas worth exploring. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, I would love to connect with you - please send an email to info@bcodn.org or message us on Linkedin!

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[1]  Beyond efficiency: Why business must build resilient human-AI partnerships | World Economic Forum

[2]  B.C. government workers buck return-to-office trend - The Globe and Mail 

[3]  7 Prominent Leadership Trends For Companies in 2025

[4]  Tariffs are already changing Canada’s job market, and workers are paying the price - The Globe and Mail

[5]  Cut 64,000 public service jobs to help balance budget, says think tank | Ottawa Citizen

Discover what’s ahead in our community by visiting our Calendar tab, where you can stay up to date with all of our upcoming events. Fall has arrived, and with it we’re back with more opportunities to connect, learn, and share. This season also brings new event formats designed to spark dialogue and strengthen our OD community.

Here are two opportunities happening this October that we’d love for you to join:

How Generative AI Affects the Workplace

When: October 23, 2025 · 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (PDT)
Where: Zoom
Registration: RSVP here

Generative AI is no longer a futuristic concept, it’s reshaping how organizations work today. Join us for a thought-provoking online session exploring both the opportunities and risks of AI in the workplace. Together, we’ll reflect on how OD can guide organizations through this transformation while keeping human connection and purpose at the center.

BCODN Leadership Insights Lunch

When: October 25, 2025 · 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (PDT)
Where: Craft Café, New Westminster
Registration: Save your seat

Designed exclusively for senior OD professionals (10+ years of experience), this peer-level lunch offers a space to reconnect with purpose, exchange deep insights, and shape the direction of OD practice over a shared meal. Lunch, coffee/tea, and gratuity are included.

By joining us, you’ll not only expand your professional knowledge but also strengthen the connections that make BCODN such a vibrant community.

On September 24, 2025, we officially kicked off BCODN’s 2025/2026 Cycle with our first networking event at Rikoko in Downtown Vancouver. The evening brought together familiar faces and new members alike, all sharing one purpose: to connect, learn, and build community around the practice of Organizational Development.

Events like this are more than just an opportunity to mingle, they are the foundation of our community. By coming together, we create spaces where ideas can be exchanged, professional connections can grow into collaborations, and the practice of Organizational Development can continue to evolve in meaningful ways. These gatherings remind us that OD is not just about theory or tools, but about people working side by side to make organizations healthier and more impactful.

As we move into this new cycle, we’re excited to offer a range of opportunities for learning and connection:

• Leadership Insights – high-level panels and collaborations with partner organizations such as the Montalbano Centre for Responsible Leadership.

• Insight Circles – interactive, online case discussions for emerging consultants, students, and practitioners.

• Social Mixers – informal, in-person gatherings that focus on conversation and connection.

• Building Community Organizations (BCO) – our flagship program, matching experienced OD practitioners with nonprofit organizations and aspiring consultants. Pending new funding, BCO will continue to provide real-world impact and skill development for our members.

Each of these streams offers a unique way to get involved, whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise, share your experience, or simply meet like-minded professionals. Be sure to keep an eye on our Events Page to register for what’s coming up next, we’d love to see you there.

Re-watch the presentation on Youtube

We’re excited to officially launch the new home of the British Columbia Organization Development Network (BCODN)!

Our goal with this refreshed website is to create a space that’s easier to navigate, more engaging, and better aligned with the needs of our growing community of OD, HR, and leadership professionals.

With this launch, we’ve also migrated all member information so you can continue to enjoy the benefits of being part of BCODN. If you haven’t logged in yet, you can set your password by clicking on “Forgot Password” at the login page and explore your new online account.

What You’ll Find Here

• News & Updates: Stay informed on upcoming events, learning opportunities, and what’s happening across the OD community in BC.

• Events Calendar: A simple way to discover and register for workshops, networking sessions, and member gatherings.

• Resources: Articles, insights, and materials to support your practice and professional growth.

• Membership Hub: Access your profile, manage your membership, and connect with peers.

What’s Next?

We’re just getting started! This fall, we’re bringing you:

• New networking events to build meaningful connections

• Workshops and learning sessions with experts in OD and leadership

• Opportunities to get involved as a volunteer and help shape BCODN’s future

We’d Love Your Feedback

We want to tailor the BCODN experience to what matters most to you. Please take a moment to fill out this short survey and help us improve our newsletter content with your feedback.

Take the survey

We invite you to click around, explore, and make yourself at home. This website is for you—our community of practitioners, learners, and leaders who believe in the power of development and change.

Welcome to the next chapter of BCODN!