The World Economic Forum’s annual Future of Jobs Report provides a gratifyingly data-driven look at employment trends, based on input from global employers, industry leaders, and policymakers.
It’s a hefty combination of employer surveys, economic data, and insights of the labour market which provide a robust forecast of how jobs and skills will evolve over the next five years.
This is timely research considering the uncertainty of our times, shaped by macroeconomic fluctuations, geopolitical shifts, and the ongoing evolution of technology. These factors together create a dynamic and often unpredictable environment, demanding adaptability from businesses and workers alike. Let’s begin this tour of one of the most in-depth reports of staffing, by unpacking the impact of these in more detail.
Before we weigh into the data, the report highlights the macroeconomic factors such as inflation, supply chain disruptions, and evolving trade policies that continue to shape the global labour market. The report highlights several key forces at play:
- Slowing economic growth and workforce reallocation
- Sustainability and the green transition influencing job creation
- Demographic shifts leading to skill shortages in certain sectors
- Hybrid work models and evolving workforce expectations
A visual representation of these trends in the report underscores the breadth of these impacts.
Technology Trends Driving Business Transformation
Technology remains one of the primary disruptors in the job market. Businesses are accelerating their adoption of AI, automation, and advanced analytics, leading to both job displacement and job creation. Some of the standout findings include:
- 60% of employers expect broadening digital access to transform their business more than any other technical trend
- 58% of employers think that robots and autonomous systems are expected to transform their business.
- 86% expect AI and information technologies to have the biggest impact of all
The study also confirms that since the release of Chat GPT in November 2022, investment flows into AI have increased nearly eightfold with the information technology sector leading the way in AI adoption, while industries such as construction are lagging behind.
WEF also found that generative AI can improve knowledge work when used within its limits but may lead to poor outcomes if overextended. In the future, it could enable less specialised workers to handle expert tasks and help skilled professionals solve complex problems more efficiently. Such advancements are most effective when AI enhances rather than replaces human capabilities. However, it also makes the point that without appropriate decision-making frameworks, economic incentive structures and,possibly, government regulations, there remains a risk that technological development will be focused on replacing human work, which could increase inequality and unemployment.
The role of geoeconomic transformation
Global events—from shifting trade alliances to political transitions—play a major role in shaping labor markets.
While speculation on how these factors will evolve is difficult, it is worth noting that as Trump embarks on his second term in office, this will have significant ramifications for global trade policies, which in turn will impact job markets worldwide. The full effect of these changes will only become clear once key economic policies are finalised. However, WEF describes the global economic outlook at the beginning of this year as a combination of cautious optimism and persistent uncertainties.
While easing inflation and looser monetary policy bring optimism, slow growth and political instability pose risks. The IMF projects 3.2% global growth in 2025, though some economies face declines, especially low-income ones. Inflation remains high, particularly in services, and low-income countries are hit hardest due to rising food prices from climate shocks, conflicts, and geopolitical tensions.
Inflation remains high, especially in services and low-income countries, due to food price hikes from climate shocks, conflicts, and geopolitical tensions. Economic pressures are a key concern for businesses, with rising living costs driving transformation for half of surveyed employers. Slower growth worries 42%, though concerns vary by region—Sub-Saharan Africa prioritises inflation, while Eastern and South-Eastern Asia focus on growth. Stricter competition regulations, though less critical, will impact one in six employers globally.
Future skills & talent availability
As the job market evolves, the report identifies certain skills that are projected to become increasingly valuable. The report highlights:
- Demand for cognitive skills such as analytical thinking and problem-solving
- A growing emphasis on social and emotional intelligence
- The rising importance of adaptability and continuous learning
- Persistent gaps in digital skills, with businesses struggling to find qualified talent
Additionally, the talent availability outlook suggests that employers must invest more in learning and development strategies to bridge skill gaps.
Key findings
The Future of Jobs Report 2025 estimates that by 2030, job creation and displacement will impact 22% of today’s formal jobs.
Macrotrends are expected to create 170 million new jobs (14% of current employment) while displacing 92 million (8%), leading to a net gain of 78 million jobs (7% of total employment).
By 2030, the fastest-growing roles will be driven by advancements in AI, robotics, and digital access. Leading roles include Big Data Specialists, FinTech Engineers, and AI & Machine Learning Specialists.
Top of the list of roles that will see the largest job growth by 2030 are Farmworkers, with 35 million new jobs driven by green transition efforts, digital access, and rising living costs. Other fast-growing roles include Delivery Drivers, Construction Workers, Salespersons, and Food Processing Workers, influenced by technology, demographics, and economic trends.
Care jobs, such as Nursing and Social Work, will expand due to aging populations, while education roles, including University and Secondary Teachers, will grow with increased digital access and a rising working-age population. Software Developers, Operations Managers, and Project Managers will also drive job growth.
In contrast, Clerical and Secretarial roles are expected to see the largest job declines.
UK-Specific Insights
For those focused on the UK labour market, the report provides a detailed breakdown of trends. The topline figures can be found on page 74, with more in-depth analysis on pages 212 and 213. Key takeaways include:
- An expected increase in demand for roles in AI, cybersecurity, and green energy sectors
- A significant talent gap in STEM-related professions
- Ongoing workforce reallocation as industries adapt to economic and technological shifts
Additional Areas for Deeper Exploration
While this blog covers the core highlights, there are several areas in the report worth exploring in greater depth, including:
- Skills disruption and learning and development strategies (page 43 onwards)
- Workforce strategies, talent availability, diversity & inclusion, and staff retention (page 52 onwards)
- Detailed country- and region-specific labor market insights (starting on page 65)
- Industry-specific economic and employment profiles (from page 108)
The link to the full Future of Jobs Report 2025 is available here.
