The global job market is on the cusp of a major transformation, with the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 projecting a net gain of 78 million jobs by 2030. While an estimated 170 million new jobs will emerge, 92 million positions are expected to be displaced, reflecting the disruptive impact of technological advancements and automation.
The strongest job growth is anticipated in sectors such as care, education, technology, and renewable energy. Roles in these industries are expected to surge as economies transition towards greener energy sources and adopt advanced technologies. Emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and renewable energy solutions will drive demand for tech-savvy professionals.
Surprisingly, essential frontline roles, including care workers, educators, delivery drivers, and farmworkers, will also experience significant growth, underscoring the continued importance of human-centric jobs.
However, traditional roles such as graphic designers and administrative assistants face steep declines due to automation. Companies increasingly turn to AI-driven tools to handle routine tasks, reshaping the employment landscape.
The Skills Gap: A Pressing Challenge
While the net growth in jobs is promising, the report highlights a critical skills gap that must be addressed to ensure a resilient workforce. Nearly 40% of the skills required for future jobs will be new or evolving, requiring workers to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
Key skills in demand include technological expertise, coupled with human capabilities such as resilience, leadership, cognitive skills, and creativity. This shift underscores the importance of a balanced approach to training that integrates both technical and soft skills.
The WEF emphasises that 59% of the global workforce will need reskilling or upskilling by 2030 to remain competitive. Businesses are increasingly investing in upskilling their employees to navigate technological changes, particularly AI integration. However, 41% of companies also plan workforce reductions as automation becomes more pervasive.
Top Skills for a Changing Workforce
The WEF highlights the urgent need for upskilling as 40% of required job skills will evolve. The top 10 fastest-growing skills identified by the report include a blend of technological, analytical, and human-oriented competencies:
Collaboration is Key
The report also sheds light on external forces such as demographic shifts, geopolitical tensions, and economic challenges, which are reshaping labour markets globally. To tackle these challenges, the WEF calls for collective action among governments, businesses, and educational institutions.
“Trends such as generative AI and rapid technological shifts are upending industries and labour markets, creating both unprecedented opportunities and profound risks,” said Till Leopold, Head of Work, Wages and Job Creation at the WEF. “The time is now for businesses and governments to work together, invest in skills, and build an equitable and resilient global workforce.”
Also Read: IIM Mumbai’s New PG Diploma Blends Financial Expertise with Industry Insights
The Road Ahead
As AI and automation redefine the global employment landscape, proactive measures in education and workforce development are essential. Governments and businesses must prioritize creating inclusive upskilling initiatives, ensuring that workers are prepared for new opportunities while minimizing the risks of displacement.
The Future of Jobs Report 2025 serves as a clarion call to act swiftly in bridging the skills gap, fostering resilience, and unlocking the potential of the workforce for a dynamic and inclusive future.
The full report can be accessed here.
