The World Economic Forum (WEF) has projected that job disruption will affect 22% of jobs by 2030. In its Future of Jobs Report 2025, released on Tuesday, the WEF states that 170 million new jobs will be created, while 92 million jobs will be displaced, resulting in a net increase of 78 million jobs by 2030.
Based on observations from over a thousand companies, skill deficit is considered the primary hindrance to business transformation. The report revealed that almost 40% of the skills needed for future jobs will be different and that 63% of employers are highlighting skills deficit as a key hurdle.
According to the WEF, however, in the year 2030, in excess of 59% of employed persons-the 100% being set in the background-would need reskilling or retraining, while11% of these are unlikely to be retrained, thus indicating that the world has over 120 million workers who stand with undetermined job security over a medium-term basis.
While by chief estimates the leverage of technology skills, especially on AI, big data, and cybersecurity, appears to be gathering steam rapidly, soft skills including creativity, resilience, flexibility, and agility will remain essential. Candidates competent in both complementary technical and human skills will still be a marketplace demand while industry transitions.
While AI and renewable energy advancements are transforming industries, frontline roles in sectors such as care and education are expected to see the highest job growth by 2030.
Till Leopold, Head of Work, Wages, and Job Creation at the WEF, stated, "Generative AI and rapid technological shifts are disrupting industries and labor markets, creating both unprecedented opportunities and profound risks."
He added, "Now is the time for businesses and governments to collaborate, invest in skills, and build a resilient and equitable global workforce."
The report predicts strong demand for such frontline occupations as farmworkers, delivery drivers, and construction workers, as well as roles in caregiving, particularly the nursing profession and education specialists.
This growth is fuelled by population increase. Wait for it and the result is a greater launch of specialized roles in artificial intelligence, robotics, and renewable energies.
Occupations like cashiers and administrative assistants will be left behind in the same economic competition. Generative AI could also pose a danger to specific positions in graphic design due to job market transformation.
The report details that around half the global employers are going to be shifting their business models toward new opportunities, with AI being viewed as the catalyst for the reshaping of sectors.
While 77 percent of employers are working on upskilling their recognized workforces, 41 percent are mulling workforce cutbacks that are AI-driven.
The appeal to collective action to narrow the skills gap, initiate upskilling initiatives, and smooth the road toward ever-growing opportunities and skills comes to Governments, NGOs, Corporations, Development Banks, and educational institutions.
The WEF will hold its 2025 Annual Meeting entitled, "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age" on January 20-24, 2025, in Davos-Klosters."