The World Economic Forum (WEF) has unveiled its latest findings in the Future of Jobs Report 2025, which forecasts that 22% of global jobs will face significant disruption by 2030.
The report reveals that 170 million new roles will be created, but 92 million jobs will be displaced, resulting in a net increase of 78 million jobs worldwide.
These shifts will be driven by a combination of technological advancements, demographic changes, geoeconomic tensions, and economic pressures, reshaping industries and professions across the globe.
Key drivers of job market change
The WEF identifies four major factors contributing to the transformation of the global job market, including technological advancements like artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and robotics.
Others are Demographic shifts, including aging populations and changing workforce dynamics, Geoeconomic tensions impacting global trade and economic policies, and Economic pressures, such as inflation and financial instability, influence business operations
These factors are expected to disrupt traditional industries while creating new job opportunities in emerging sectors.
Skills gap remains a major barrier
The report also highlights the skills gap as one of the most significant challenges businesses face in adapting to the changing job market. According to the WEF, 40% of job-related skills are expected to change by 2030, with 63% of employers citing the lack of relevant skills as a major obstacle to business transformation.
The demand for technology-related skills is set to increase, particularly in areas like AI, big data analysis, and cybersecurity.
However, the WEF stresses that human-centric skills such as creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, and agility will remain critical in a rapidly evolving work environment. A combination of both technical and human skills will be essential for success in the future job market.
Job growth in Frontline and essential sectors
The WEF predicts that certain sectors will see substantial job growth by 2030. Frontline roles in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and delivery services are expected to experience the largest increase in job numbers.
Additionally, care professions, including nursing and healthcare roles, as well as education-related jobs, such as secondary school teachers, are projected to grow significantly.
These trends are driven by demographic changes, particularly ageing populations and increased demand for essential services.
Technological roles to see increased demand
The WEF report also highlights the growing demand for specialist roles in emerging industries like renewable energy, environmental engineering, and electric vehicle technology, spurred by advancements in AI, robotics, and clean energy technologies.
At the same time, jobs in administrative support and repetitive tasks are expected to decline, with roles like cashiers and data entry clerks being particularly at risk. Additionally, graphic designers are now among the professions facing disruption as generative AI tools increasingly automate creative processes.
Urgency for action
Till Leopold, Head of Work, Wages, and Job Creation at the WEF, stressed the need for swift action to address the changes outlined in the report.
“Technological shifts, including generative AI, are transforming industries and labour markets at an unprecedented pace, creating both significant opportunities and risks,” said Leopold.
“Now is the time for businesses and governments to come together, invest in skill development, and create an equitable, resilient global workforce,” he added.
Preparing for the job market of 2030
To navigate these changes successfully, the WEF urges governments and companies to invest in upskilling and reskilling programs to equip workers with the necessary skills to thrive in the new job market.
Without these proactive measures, the WEF warns that the skills gap could widen, leading to greater economic inequalities and a slower global recovery.
The Future of Jobs Report 2025 concludes with a call for lifelong learning, adaptability, and collaboration across sectors to ensure that the workforce is prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead by 2030.
