Companies that succeed today won’t succeed tomorrow without prioritizing agility, according to new research from Highspring. The inaugural Agility Index Report shows that agile companies are twice as likely to report revenue growth—and four times more likely to align talent, tech, and execution.
Amid mounting regulatory pressures, escalating geopolitical tensions, accelerated AI adoption, and intensifying competition for talent and emerging skills, organizations are under pressure to adapt faster than ever. In response, Highspring surveyed over 500 business leaders across talent, consulting, and managed services functions to better understand what enables organizations to thrive in constant change. Highspring’s repot reveals that 97% of high-agility organizations achieved positive revenue growth in the first quarter of 2025, more than double the 46% of low-agility organization, underscoring that agility is no longer an option, but a fundamental driver of long-term success amid today’s fast-changing landscape.
Highspring defines “organizational agility” as strategic alignment between people, processes, and platform—an approach that sets high-performing companies apart. Agility isn’t just a cultural or operational idea but a measurable competitive advantage. Highspring’s research found an agility deficit in several key areas, including the following.
- Siloed departments (70%) are a major barrier to agility, slowing decisions and hindering coordination when it matters most. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of organizations reported a siloed executive leadership team, followed closely behind by 71% of organizations stating they have a siloed HR department.
- Talent deployment gaps (45) leave organizations exposed, slowing innovation and dragging down purpose.
- Lack of leadership alignment (30%) can lead to a struggle to adapt with speed or clarity. This lack of leadership alignment drops to 18% among large enterprises.
“Agility isn’t just about adapting to change; it’s a measurable force impacting revenue, employee engagement, and company resilience,” says Brian Waller, co-founder and CEO at Highspring.
What sets agile organizations apart? Operational agility, talent agility and retention strategy, and a culture of innovation. Organizations with high Agility Index scores aren’t just prepared; they’re outperforming in strategic alignment, resilience during challenges, and workplace optimism.
