The Future of Jobs Report 2025, published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), projects transformative shifts in the global labor market by 2030. With 170 million new roles set to emerge and 92 million jobs displaced, the net job creation is expected to reach 78 million jobs. Key drivers of this disruption include technological advancements, demographic shifts, geoeconomic pressures, and economic trends, reshaping industries and professions globally.
Key Job Trends and Challenges
Frontline roles like farmworkers, delivery drivers, and construction workers are set for significant growth by 2030. Essential sectors such as healthcare and education will also see an uptick, with increased demand for nursing professionals and secondary school teachers. Meanwhile, emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and renewable energy systems will boost demand for specialist roles in these fields. However, some roles, including cashiers, administrative assistants, and even graphic designers, are expected to decline due to automation and generative AI.
The skills gap remains the most pressing challenge for business transformation, cited by 63% of employers. Nearly 40% of required job skills will change by 2030, with 59% of the workforce needing reskilling or upskilling. Technology-focused skills such as AI, big data, cybersecurity, and network management will see rapid growth. However, human skills like resilience, analytical thinking, collaboration, and leadership will remain critical.
The Role of AI in Workforce Transformation
AI is reshaping industries and business models, with 50% of employers globally planning to leverage it for new opportunities. While 41% of companies anticipate workforce reductions due to automation, 77% aim to upskill employees to adapt to AI disruptions. Many organizations also plan to redeploy workers into roles less affected by AI, balancing technological advancements with human capital needs.
Broader Economic, Demographic, and Geopolitical Shifts
- Economic Pressures: The rising cost of living and inflation are impacting business strategies, with 6 million jobs globally at risk of displacement by 2030.
- Demographic Changes: Ageing populations in high-income countries are driving demand for healthcare roles, while expanding working-age demographics in lower-income regions fuel demand for education professionals.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Trade restrictions and shifting industrial policies are pushing businesses toward reshoring and offshoring, increasing the demand for skills like cybersecurity.
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Urgent Need for Collaboration
The report stresses the importance of collective action among governments, businesses, and educational institutions to address these changes. Bridging skills gaps, investing in reskilling initiatives, and creating accessible career pathways are crucial steps to ensure a resilient global workforce.
“Trends like generative AI are creating unprecedented opportunities and risks,” said Till Leopold, Head of Work, Wages, and Job Creation at the WEF. “Now is the time for stakeholders to invest in skills and build an equitable global workforce.”
Preparing for the Jobs of Tomorrow
As the job market evolves, a balance of technology and human skills will define future roles. By prioritizing equitable workforce transitions and fostering innovation, stakeholders can ensure workers thrive in the jobs of the future.
This Future of Jobs Report underscores the urgency of building a workforce capable of navigating a rapidly changing economic and technological landscape.
