Introduction
The Future of Jobs Report 2025, published by the World Economic Forum in January 2025, highlights a transformative era for the global labor market. This report delves into the profound changes driven by macrotrends such as technological innovation, geoeconomic shifts, demographic transitions, and the green transition. These forces are reshaping business operations and redefining the nature of work, job roles, and skill demands, with far-reaching implications for how jobs are created, evolve, or become obsolete by 2030.
Based on insights from over 1,000 global employers representing 14 million workers across 22 industries and 55 economies, this article examines the key findings of the report. It provides a detailed overview of the drivers of change and the strategies organizations are adopting to navigate workforce transformation. This article serves as the first part in a six-part series exploring the Future of Jobs Report 2025 and its critical insights for the workforce of tomorrow.
Technological Advancements: A Catalyst for Transformation
Broadening Digital Access as a Game-Changer
Digital access is forecasted to be the most transformative technological trend, with 60% of employers expecting significant impacts on their business operations by 2030. Enhanced connectivity is not just an enabler but a cornerstone of modern workforce dynamics.
Emerging Technologies Driving Change
Technologies such as AI (86%), robotics and automation (58%), and advancements in energy systems (41%) are reshaping industries. These innovations are predicted to simultaneously drive the fastest-growing and fastest-declining job roles. Technology-related skills, including AI, big data, cybersecurity, and technological literacy, are positioned as top growth areas.
Economic Pressures and Their Impact on Job Creation
Cost of Living as a Transformative Trend
Economic conditions, particularly the rising cost of living, rank as the second-most transformative trend, with half of surveyed employers expecting its influence on their business. Despite anticipated reductions in inflation, slower economic growth is projected to displace 1.6 million jobs globally by 2030.
Skills in Demand Amid Economic Slowdowns
The economic challenges highlight the growing need for creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, and agility. These human-centered skills will become essential as businesses navigate uncertainty.
The Green Transition: A Force for Workforce Transformation
Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Trends
Climate-related efforts are among the top drivers of labor market change, with 47% of employers focusing on mitigation strategies and 41% on adaptation. These priorities are fueling demand for roles like renewable energy engineers, environmental engineers, and specialists in electric and autonomous vehicles.
Emerging Skills for Sustainability
Environmental stewardship has entered the top 10 fastest-growing skills, underscoring the importance of sustainable practices. This shift aligns with broader trends in the green economy.
Demographic Shifts Reshaping Labor Markets
Aging and Declining Populations in Higher-Income Economies
The aging workforce in developed economies drives demand for healthcare roles, including nursing professionals and personal care aides. These demographic shifts require targeted workforce strategies to address emerging healthcare needs.
Expanding Working-Age Populations in Lower-Income Economies
Lower-income economies are witnessing a growth in their working-age populations, boosting demand for education-related roles such as tertiary and secondary education teachers. The need for teaching, mentoring, and talent management skills is also on the rise.
Geoeconomic Fragmentation and Business Model Transformation
Global Trade and Investment Dynamics
Geopolitical tensions and geoeconomic fragmentation are shaping business strategies, with 34% of organizations anticipating transformations. Trade restrictions and subsidies are influencing operations, particularly in economies heavily linked to the U.S. and China.
Skills in Security and Leadership
As organizations adapt, the demand for network and cybersecurity roles is surging. Additionally, resilience, agility, and leadership skills are becoming crucial for navigating geopolitical complexities.
Job Creation and Displacement Projections
Net Employment Growth by 2030
The labor market is projected to see a net growth of 7% in total employment by 2030, equating to 78 million new jobs. While 170 million jobs are expected to be created, 92 million may be displaced due to structural transformations.
Fastest-Growing and Declining Roles
Technology-related roles, including AI specialists, big data experts, and software developers, are among the fastest-growing professions. Green transition roles, such as environmental and renewable energy engineers, are also in high demand. Conversely, clerical roles like cashiers, data entry clerks, and bank tellers are expected to see significant declines.
Evolving Skills for the Workforce of the Future
The Changing Landscape of Skills
By 2030, nearly 40% of existing skills are expected to become outdated. Analytical thinking remains the top skill, followed by resilience, flexibility, and leadership. Skills in AI, cybersecurity, and lifelong learning are also critical for future workforce readiness.
Reskilling and Upskilling Imperatives
A significant portion of the global workforce (59%) will require reskilling by 2030. Employers plan to upskill workers within their current roles or redeploy them to new roles, but some workers may remain at risk due to inadequate training opportunities.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Employee Well-being
The Rise of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
Efforts to broaden talent pools through diversity, equity, and inclusion have increased, with 83% of employers adopting such initiatives. These strategies are particularly prominent in North America and among large organizations.
Focus on Employee Well-being
Supporting employee health and well-being is a key strategy for attracting and retaining talent. Employers are prioritizing funding for reskilling and upskilling, with public policies expected to play a pivotal role in these initiatives.
Conclusion: Preparing for the Workforce of 2030
The global labor market is at a transformative juncture, with technological, economic, demographic, and environmental factors reshaping the future of jobs. Businesses must adopt strategic workforce transformation plans, prioritizing skills development, sustainability, and inclusivity. By understanding these trends and preparing for the challenges ahead, organizations can position themselves to thrive in the evolving employment landscape.
Part 2: Skills of the Future – What Workers Need to Succeed in 2030.
