The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 provides an in-depth analysis of how global labor markets are evolving due to macroeconomic shifts, technological advances, and policy changes.
The report surveys over 1,000 employers, covering 22 industries across 55 economies, representing a workforce of more than 14 million employees.
With technology, climate change, geopolitical tensions, and demographic shifts reshaping employment landscapes, the report forecasts which jobs will grow, which will decline, and the skills workers need to stay competitive between 2025 and 2030.
Key Workforce Trends: 2025-2030
1. The Rise of AI and Automation
Eighty-six percent of employers expect AI and big data analytics to drive transformation in their businesses.
Automation is accelerating, leading to job displacement in administrative and clerical roles.
AI and robotic process automation are replacing data entry clerks, cashiers, and telemarketers.
Job Implications:
Increased demand for AI engineers, cybersecurity experts, and automation specialists.
Reskilling programs are crucial to transitioning displaced workers into tech-driven roles.
2. Climate Change and Green Economy Driving Job Growth
Forty-seven percent of businesses expect climate-change mitigation to impact their workforce strategy.
The green transition is driving growth in renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental consulting.
Electric and autonomous vehicle specialists, environmental engineers, and renewable energy engineers are among the fastest-growing job categories.
Job Implications:
Surge in demand for workers with expertise in clean energy, carbon reduction, and ESG compliance.
Decline in fossil fuel jobs, requiring reskilling of traditional energy workers into green roles.
3. Geopolitical and Economic Uncertainty Reshaping Global Workforces
Thirty-four percent of companies expect geopolitical fragmentation and trade restrictions to drive major workforce changes.
Twenty-three percent of employers see increasing government subsidies and industrial policies as key business factors.
Companies are reshoring and nearshoring operations to reduce supply chain risks.
Job Implications:
Increased hiring in cybersecurity, risk management, and trade compliance.
Higher demand for local talent pools as companies reduce offshoring.
4. Aging Workforce and Changing Demographics
Aging populations in high-income countries are driving demand for healthcare professionals.
Growing working-age populations in lower-income economies are fueling education-related job growth.
Workforce aging will impact industries like healthcare, insurance, and financial planning.
Job Implications:
More jobs in elder care, healthcare, and social services.
Companies must adapt workplace policies to retain older workers while attracting young talent.
Fastest-Growing and Declining Jobs (2025-2030)
Top 10 Fastest-Growing Jobs
AI and Machine Learning Specialists
Big Data and Analytics Experts
Renewable Energy Engineers
Cybersecurity Specialists
Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Technicians
Sustainability and ESG Managers
Internet of Things Specialists
Robotics and Automation Engineers
Cloud Computing Experts
Tertiary and Secondary Education Teachers
Top 10 Declining Jobs
Data Entry Clerks
Cashiers and Ticket Clerks
Bank Tellers and Related Clerks
Telemarketers
Postal Service Clerks
Administrative Assistants and Secretaries
Printing and Publishing Workers
Material-Recording and Stock-Keeping Clerks
Transportation Attendants and Conductors
Graphic Designers (due to AI automation)
Job displacement is highest in clerical and administrative roles, while the strongest growth is in AI, data science, green energy, and cybersecurity.
The Future of Skills: What Employers Want
With 40 percent of skills expected to become outdated by 2030, employers are prioritizing reskilling and upskilling initiatives.
Top 10 Most In-Demand Skills (2025-2030)
Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving
AI and Big Data Literacy
Cybersecurity and Data Protection
Technology and Digital Literacy
Creativity and Innovation
Resilience, Flexibility, and Agility
Leadership and Social Influence
Environmental Stewardship and ESG Compliance
Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
Programming and Coding Skills
Declining skills include manual labor, repetitive clerical tasks, and roles requiring low digital interaction.
How Businesses Are Responding to Workforce Transformation
1. AI-Powered Workforce Transformation
Eighty-five percent of employers are adopting AI to augment human roles rather than replace them.
AI-driven workplace automation is helping companies scale operations while reducing low-skill job demand.
2. Expansion of Reskilling and Upskilling Programs
Sixty percent of businesses are investing in employee training programs.
Top training areas include AI, digital skills, green technologies, and leadership development.
3. Growth of Remote and Hybrid Work Models
Remote work adoption continues in tech, finance, and creative industries.
Businesses are investing in virtual collaboration tools and cybersecurity solutions.
4. Sustainability as a Workforce Priority
Green jobs are seeing the highest growth, especially in renewable energy and carbon management.
Companies are integrating climate-conscious hiring strategies to meet net-zero targets.
Conclusion: The Future of Work is Digital, Green, and AI-Augmented
The Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights a workforce in transition, with AI, automation, climate policies, and economic uncertainty reshaping job demand.
Key Takeaways:
AI and automation are transforming job roles, but also creating new high-value positions.
Green jobs are surging, requiring new skills in sustainability and energy transition.
Remote and hybrid work are here to stay, driving demand for cybersecurity and cloud expertise.
Workers must reskill in AI, data science, and ESG compliance to remain competitive.
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