Insights From The Future of Jobs Report 2025: Strategies for Thriving in a Changing Workforce

Introducing A New Era of Work

The world of work is undergoing a profound transformation. The rise of AI, automation, digitalisation, climate change adaptation, demographic shifts, and geopolitical realignments is creating new opportunities while rendering traditional roles obsolete.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 offers a comprehensive analysis of these changes, drawing on insights from over 1,000 global employers, representing 14 million workers across 22 industries and 55 economies. The report projects that by 2030, 170 million new jobs will be created, but 92 million existing jobs will be displaced, leading to a net gain of 78 million jobs. However, this shift is not just about numbers; it’s about skills, adaptability, and strategic workforce planning.

To succeed, businesses, employees, and policymakers must take proactive measures. This article explores the most critical insights from the Future of Jobs Report 2025, including which jobs will grow, which will decline, and what skills will be in demand.

1. The Five Major Forces Reshaping Jobs by 2030

The report identifies five macrotrends that will drive labour market transformation in the next five years:

1.1 The AI and Automation Revolution

• 86% of businesses expect AI, machine learning, and automation to transform their industries.
• AI adoption is growing rapidly, with a sharp increase in investment since 2022.
• While AI will enhance productivity, it will disrupt traditional job roles, especially in clerical, data processing, and administrative fields.
• AI will not replace all jobs, but augment many, leading to new hybrid human-machine work models.

1.2 The Green Economy and Sustainability Boom

• Climate action is a top priority for 47% of businesses.
• The shift to renewable energy and environmental sustainability is generating millions of new jobs in energy, infrastructure, and green technology.
• Jobs like Renewable Energy Engineers, Environmental Scientists, and Electric Vehicle Technicians are among the fastest-growing professions.

1.3 Economic and Cost-of-Living Challenges

• Inflation and economic uncertainty remain major concerns, with 50% of businesses citing rising costs as a transformative force.
• Industries focused on financial strategy, risk management, and cost optimisation will see rising demand.
• Skills in financial analysis, resource management, and adaptability will be increasingly valuable.

1.4 Demographic Shifts: Aging Populations and Workforce Expansion

• The aging workforce in high-income economies is increasing demand for healthcare professionals and personal care workers.
• Growing working-age populations in developing countries will fuel demand for education, training, and upskilling programmes.
• Countries that invest in skills development will gain a competitive edge in the global economy.

1.5 Geopolitical and Trade Fragmentation

• 34% of employers expect geopolitical instability to impact their business models.
• Increased trade restrictions, supply chain disruptions, and industrial policies will lead to shifts in job markets, particularly in global manufacturing and logistics.
• Businesses will need skilled professionals in cybersecurity, international trade, and geopolitical risk management.

2. Jobs That Will Grow and Jobs That Will Decline by 2030

The job market will be highly polarised between rapidly growing sectors and those experiencing steep declines.

2.1 Top 10 Fastest-Growing Jobs by 2030

1. Big Data Specialists
2. AI and Machine Learning Specialists
3. FinTech Engineers
4. Software Developers & Data Analysts
5. Cybersecurity Analysts & Information Security Specialists
6. Renewable Energy Engineers & Environmental Engineers
7. Electric Vehicle and Autonomous Systems Engineers
8. Personal Care Aides and Healthcare Workers
9. University and Higher Education Teachers
10. Project Managers and Business Development Experts

Key drivers: AI adoption, sustainability initiatives, digital transformation, and the growing demand for lifelong learning.

2.2 Top 10 Fastest-Declining Jobs by 2030

1. Data Entry Clerks
2. Bank Tellers and Related Clerks
3. Postal Service Clerks
4. Telemarketers
5. Administrative Assistants and Executive Secretaries
6. Cashiers and Ticket Clerks
7. Legal Secretaries
8. Claims Adjusters and Insurance Underwriters
9. Printing and Related Trades Workers
10. Door-to-Door Sales Workers

Key drivers: AI automation, digital banking, remote work, and changing consumer behaviour.

3. The Skills Revolution: What Will Be in Demand?

The report highlights that 39% of existing skills will become outdated by 2030, requiring widespread reskilling and upskilling.

3.1 Top 6 Most In-Demand Skills by 2030

1. Analytical Thinking & Problem-Solving
   • The most sought-after skill, with 70% of employers prioritising it.
2. AI & Big Data Literacy
   • Understanding AI’s potential and working with data-driven insights will be critical.
3. Resilience, Adaptability & Agility
   • Employers seek individuals who can navigate constant change.
4. Cybersecurity & Digital Skills
   • With rising cyber threats, cybersecurity expertise will be a must-have.
5. Creative Thinking & Innovation
   • AI can’t replicate human creativity, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking.
6. Environmental & Sustainability Knowledge
   • Companies are increasingly hiring for green jobs and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) roles.

Jobs on the Rise and Jobs in Decline

Fastest-Growing Jobs

• Big Data Specialists
• AI and Machine Learning Specialists
• FinTech Engineers
• Software Developers
• Cybersecurity Analysts
• Environmental Engineers
• Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Specialists
• Healthcare Professionals (Nurses, Personal Care Aides, Social Workers)
• Tertiary Education Teachers

Fastest-Declining Jobs

• Data Entry Clerks
• Bank Tellers and Clerks
• Postal Service Clerks
• Telemarketers
• Administrative Assistants
• Cashiers and Ticket Clerks
• Legal Secretaries

Key Skills for the Future

By 2030, 39% of workers’ skills will be outdated, requiring major reskilling efforts. The report identifies six key skills categories that will be most valuable:

1. Analytical Thinking – The most in-demand skill, with 70% of companies prioritising it.
2. AI and Big Data Literacy – Understanding AI tools and how to work alongside automation.
3. Resilience, Flexibility, and Agility – Workers must adapt to fast-changing job roles.
4. Cybersecurity and Digital Skills – Essential for navigating a digital-first economy.
5. Creative Thinking and Innovation – AI can automate many tasks, but creativity remains a human strength.
6. Environmental and Sustainability Knowledge – Green jobs are growing, requiring skills in energy transition and climate policy.

What Businesses and Individuals Can Do to Prepare

For Employers

• Invest in workforce reskilling: 85% of businesses plan to upskill workers, but only half currently have effective programs.
• Support employee well-being: Companies that prioritise mental health, flexibility, and work-life balance attract top talent.
• Leverage AI for augmentation, not replacement: AI should enhance human capabilities rather than simply reduce workforce size.

For Workers

• Focus on continuous learning: With skills becoming obsolete quickly, upskilling every 2-3 years is crucial.
• Develop AI literacy: Understanding how to work with AI rather than compete against it will be key.
• Consider career pivots: Workers in declining roles should explore training in growing industries such as cybersecurity, AI, and healthcare.
• Build transferable soft skills: Leadership, problem-solving, and resilience will be valuable across industries.

For Governments and Educators

• Enhance digital education: Schools and universities must prioritise AI, data science, and sustainability.
• Provide reskilling subsidies: Government-backed training programs can help workers transition to future-proof roles.
• Support lifelong learning initiatives: Incentivising companies and individuals to invest in continuous education will be critical.

The Future of Work is a Call to Action

The Future of Jobs Report 2025 makes one thing clear: adaptability is the new job security. Jobs aren’t disappearing, they’re evolving. While job creation will outpace job losses, the biggest challenge lies in reskilling workers for emerging industries. AI and automation will redefine many job roles, but human creativity, analytical thinking, and adaptability will remain indispensable.

For those who are willing to embrace change, invest in upskilling, and stay agile, the future of work is full of opportunities. Whether you are an employer, employee, or policymaker, the time to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow is now.