The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) newly-published Future of Jobs Report 2025 report forecasts a seismic shift in the global labour market, with the organisation expecting 170 million new jobs expected to emerge by 2030.

However, this growth comes with significant disruption: 92 million roles are projected to be displaced, resulting in a net gain of 78 million jobs – though, the shift in skill sets required to accomodate these new roles makes this a complex issue.

The most significant job growth is expected in essential sectors. Farmworkers, driven by climate adaptation and green transition initiatives, will see the largest increase, with 34 million new positions anticipated by 2030.

Other key roles include delivery drivers, software developers, construction workers, and retail salespersons. The care economy – encompassing nursing professionals, social workers, and counsellors – will also expand significantly, fuelled by aging populations and rising healthcare needs.

Meanwhile, roles such as clerical workers, cashiers, and postal service clerks are among the most vulnerable to decline due to automation and changing administrative processes.

The Evolving Skills Landscape

The report predicts a 39% change in the core skills required for jobs by 2030, reflecting a slight improvement from 44% in 2023 but still indicative of significant disruption. As such, employers are ramping up efforts to reskill and upskill their workforce to meet future demands, according to the report.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, technological skills dominate the list of in-demand competencies.

AI and big data expertise top the rankings, followed by networks and cybersecurity skills, alongside general technological literacy. Human-centric skills such as creative thinking, resilience, and agility are also gaining prominence.

Environmental stewardship, making its debut among the top 10 skills, underscores the growing influence of climate-related challenges.

Leadership, talent management, and analytical thinking round out the essential skill set for the future workforce. Organisations that prioritise a blend of technical and human skills will be better positioned to navigate the complexities of the evolving job market.

Trends Shaping the Future Labour Market

Several transformative trends are driving the reshaping of global workforce dynamics:

1. Expanding Digital Access: Identified as the most transformative trend in the report, digital access is set to impact 60% of businesses by 2030. This shift, alongside advances in AI, robotics, and energy technologies, will fuel both job creation and displacement.
2. Economic Pressures: Rising costs of living ranks as the second-most influential trend, affecting half of surveyed businesses. While global inflation is expected to ease, adaptability and resilience will remain crucial.
3. Green Transition: Climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts are key drivers of job growth in roles like renewable energy engineers, environmental specialists, and electric vehicle experts. The emphasis on environmental stewardship as a core skill highlights its importance.
4. Demographic Shifts: Aging populations in high-income regions and growing working-age populations in lower-income areas are reshaping workforce needs. Healthcare and education sectors are expected to benefit, with increased demand for nursing professionals and teachers.
5. Geoeconomic Fragmentation: Geopolitical tensions and trade barriers are prompting business model changes, driving demand for cybersecurity specialists and underscoring the importance of resilience and leadership.

Reskilling for the Future

Workforce transformation hinges on reskilling and upskilling. The report estimates that 59% of the global workforce will require training by 2030. Among them, 29% can be reskilled within their current roles, while 19% may need redeployment. However, 11% of workers face significant employment risks without access to sufficient training opportunities.

Skill gaps remain a major obstacle, with 63% of employers identifying them as a key barrier to transformation. In response, 85% of organisations plan to prioritise workforce training, and 70% aim to hire talent with new skills. Additionally, half of the employers surveyed are exploring ways to transition workers from declining roles into emerging opportunities.

Public policy will play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. Funding for reskilling initiatives and policies that enhance talent availability are among the most welcomed measures. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are also gaining traction, with 83% of employers implementing DEI programs, up from 67% in 2023.

Generative AI: A Workforce Game-changer

Generative AI (genAI) has, for better or worse, revolutionised industries since the launch of tools like ChatGPT in late 2022. Investment in AI technologies has surged nearly eightfold, accompanied by advancements in supporting infrastructure.

However, its adoption varies across industries, with IT leading and sectors like construction lagging.

Effective implementation of genAI depends on enhancing human capabilities rather than replacing them, requiring thoughtful decision-making frameworks and regulatory oversight.

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Speaking in the report’s preface, Saadia Zahidi, managing director at the World Economic Forum, says: “As we enter 2025, the landscape of work continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Transformational breakthroughs, particularly in generative artificial intelligence (genAI), are reshaping industries and tasks across all sectors.

“These technological advances, however, are converging with a broader array of challenges, including economic volatility, geoeconomic realignments, environmental challenges and evolving societal expectations.

“The disruptions of recent years have underscored the importance of foresight and collective action.”