The global labour market is entering a critical period of structural transformation. The Future of Jobs Report 2025, published by the World Economic Forum, outlines how major global trends — including technological innovation, climate transition, demographic shifts, and geopolitical reconfigurations — are expected to reshape employment landscapes and skills demand through 2030.

According to survey responses from over 1,000 employers across 55 economies and 22 industries, net employment is projected to increase by 78 million jobs. This figure results from the creation of 170 million new roles and the displacement of 92 million existing ones — a structural shift affecting approximately 22% of current employment.

Technology as a Transformative Force

The report identifies broadening digital access, AI, big data, and automation as the most transformative forces for businesses, with up to 60% of employers expecting significant operational impact. Technology-related roles — including AI and Machine Learning Specialists, Big Data Analysts, Fintech Engineers, and Software Developers — are among the fastest-growing occupations in percentage terms.

At the same time, automation is expected to lead to a decline in clerical, secretarial, and data processing roles. Positions such as Cashiers, Bank Tellers, Postal Clerks, and Administrative Assistants are among those projected to see the largest declines in absolute numbers.

Green Transition and Labour Demand

Climate-change mitigation and adaptation are ranked as the third- and sixth-most transformative trends, respectively. These are driving labour demand toward green economy roles, such as Renewable Energy Engineers, Environmental Engineers, and Electric Vehicle Specialists — all featured among the top 15 fastest-growing job categories.

Environmental stewardship has also entered the list of top 10 growing skills for the first time, signaling a broader shift in organisational priorities and sustainability capabilities.

Demographic Divergence and Sectoral Growth

Two demographic developments are shaping labour market dynamics: aging populations in high-income countries and expanding working-age populations in lower-income economies. These shifts are contributing to growing demand in the healthcare and education sectors, particularly for Nursing Professionals and Secondary and Tertiary Education Teachers.

In parallel, frontline roles — such as Delivery Drivers, Construction Workers, and Food Processing Workers — are projected to see the largest growth in absolute volume.

Skills Disruption and Workforce Adaptation

The report finds that 39% of core job skills are expected to change between 2025 and 2030. While this marks a slowdown from previous years (57% in 2020), it still represents a significant level of skill instability. The top three growing skills identified are AI and big data competencies, cybersecurity, and general technological literacy. In parallel, analytical thinking, resilience, leadership, and agility are consistently highlighted as essential across industries.

Manual skills, including physical endurance and precision, are expected to decline in importance, reflecting the continued shift toward digital and cognitive capabilities.

Upskilling and Human Capital Strategy

The anticipated pace of change has made skills gaps the leading barrier to business transformation, cited by 63% of employers. To address this, 85% of firms plan to invest in upskilling their workforce. Yet, among the global workforce, the report estimates that 59% will require reskilling by 2030, and 11% may not receive the training necessary, putting them at risk of exclusion from future labour opportunities.

To support workforce resilience, employers are placing growing emphasis on employee well-being, internal mobility, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. DEI adoption is particularly high among large employers and in North America, with uptake rising from 67% in 2023 to 83% in 2025.

Strategic Considerations for Policymakers and Employers

The findings suggest that future employment growth is not solely dependent on technological advancement but also on the ability of systems — both public and private — to prepare workers for transition. Investments in lifelong learning, skills-based hiring, and workforce reallocation mechanisms will be critical to mitigate displacement and ensure inclusive growth.

In a labour market where agility and adaptability define competitiveness, the coming years will require a coordinated response across business, education, and policy. The challenge ahead is significant, but so is the potential to shape a more resilient and future-ready global workforce.

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Cover photo: https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_Report_2025.pdf