5 key steps: turn economic uncertainty into a business opportunity

Agility at work is no longer an option—organizations require it for navigating economic volatility. 

Global trade wars, a volatile stock market, and fears of rising prices—the news these days is full of crisis and uncertainty. The world seems to be on the cusp of a monumental economic shift, and no one knows exactly how it will play out. But the companies that can take advantage of these changes are the ones that are more flexible, resilient, and adaptable than their competitors.  

At Highspring, we call that agility at work. To succeed in this era of rapid advancements, evolving consumer behaviors, and unpredictable disruptions, organizations need to learn how to adapt and refine their strategies to meet the moment.

According to our upcoming Agility at Work Index report, 95% of high-agility organizations grew their revenue in Q1 2025. Alternatively, only 46% of low-agility organizations increased their revenue in the same timeframe. This shows that agility is no longer an option—it’s essential to thrive in a rapidly changing world.  

Why agility at work matters

Agility doesn’t mean abandoning long-term goals in favor of reactive decision-making. It’s about moving quickly and adapting to change without losing focus or wasting resources. It’s about breaking down barriers so that people across the organization can work on high-level goals as a unified team. And it’s about making smart, durable investments that save money and boost efficiency over time.  

Agility is also a critical advantage for your business—agile companies are twice as likely to achieve high levels of innovation, according to the Harvard Business Review.  

5 actionable steps to improve your organization’s agility

Uncertainty doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared. In fact, it’s even more important for businesses to be agile in times of unpredictability. It not only improves performance, but it also allows them to quickly pivot with minimal disruptions.

Here are five actionable steps your company can take now to become more agile. 

1. Complete a comprehensive risk assessment

When the market shifts, a robust risk assessment becomes your best strategy. Geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and rising costs mean decision-makers need to understand vulnerabilities across every aspect of their operation.  

“Costs are going to tighten, so business leaders should evaluate whether integrating managed services or automation can optimize general and administrative expenses, creating room to invest in more strategic areas,” adds Greg Rotz, Partner and Risk and Regulatory Leader at Highspring. 

So what does this mean for your company? Businesses in the current geopolitical climate face decisions like onshoring operations, moving away from tariff-impacted regions, and reevaluating vendor relationships. Assessing cost structures and delivery efficiencies through this lens helps mitigate risk and identify opportunities.  

2. Ensure you have a robust forecasting process 

The days of forecasting based on static, year-old data are gone. To contend with rising costs and fluctuating tariffs, companies need to adopt dynamic forecasting tools to adapt in real-time.  

For example, incorporating financial planning and analysis (FP&A) tools or using advanced modeling capabilities to run “what-if” scenarios help you measure the potential impact on revenue and profitability metrics.  

A disruption can occur from within or outside an organization, and disaster recovery plans must account for both scenarios. Though no plan is immune to failure, here are the best methods for ensuring a quick, smooth recovery in the wake of an unforeseen disruption.

3. Use technology to help you pivot  

The digital revolution has gifted businesses with tools to not only keep pace but adapt faster than the competition. But without organizing the data to create effective strategies, these tools will remain underutilized.  

For example, Sandra Biasillo, Director of Strategy, Technology, and Transformation at Highspring, recommends investing in customer relationship management (CRM) systems, FP&A platforms, and other tools for improved decision-making.

4. Don’t panic and resort to short-term thinking 

When economic uncertainty hits, the knee-jerk reaction is often to cut costs across the board—shrinking headcount, slashing marketing budgets, or putting innovation on hold. But short-term cost-cutting can unintentionally set you back long-term.  

The solution? Prioritize the development of your agility over short-term outcomes. Our Agility at Work Index also found that high-agility businesses laid off just 27% of their workforce over the past two years. In contrast, low-agility companies saw layoffs nearly double that rate, at 51%. By investing strategically in tech, high-agility companies balance workforce stability with future-proofing their operations. This can be done by shifting your budget to initiatives that create long-term value, like enhanced predictive analytics or market-driven product pivots, to prepare your organization for what’s next.  

And if you’re wondering how to quickly onboard the required talent while avoiding long-term commitments during times of great change, consider contract hiring. 

Remember that downturns often filter out unprepared competitors. When others are scrambling, strong leadership gives you the opportunity to gain market share and reinforce your brand’s presence.  

Lauren Becker, Managing Partner of Vaco by Highspring adds, “During times when we’re not sure what’s going to happen during times of volatility, it absolutely makes sense to bring in folks on a consulting and interim basis to avoid any disruptions in your long-term building.” 

5. Set yourself up for a more agile future 

Agility isn’t just about surviving today—it’s about thriving tomorrow by building processes and frameworks that allow your company to remain competitive for years to come. Consider these three options for setting up the platform to propel your long-term growth: 

1. Implement continuous controls monitoring. Leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to install real-time monitoring across compliance and operational functions.  
2. Adopt nearshoring or offshoring solutions. Strategic decisions like shifting operations to cost-competitive locations can optimize margins while maintaining flexibility. 
3. Create a resilient culture. Embed agility into your organization’s DNA by providing workers with tools and training that allow them to take ownership and innovate. After all, an agile workforce will drive your organization into the future.  

For example, many companies are transforming their operational models to include hybrid roles and cross-functional teams, improving their ability to adapt quickly to industry changes. Now is the time to move from outdated, static strategies and build a foundation of agility that will propel your business forward—regardless of external pressures.  

Turn your what if into what’s next

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How we can help

Highspring is a leading global professional services organization with three integrated service offerings—Consulting, Managed Services, and Talent Solutions.

We combine strategy, talent, and execution with a collaborative, client-first approach to create practical solutions tailored to your organization’s unique needs. With our expertise, we equip your business with the ability to seize pivotal moments, overcome obstacles, and scale globally with confidence.

With proven experience helping companies boost performance, transform, and drive sustainable growth, we are committed to shared results, so we succeed together.