A recent report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) underscores the significant impact of technology on the labour market, anticipating substantial job creation alongside substantial displacement. According to the WEF's 'Future of Jobs Report 2025', the ongoing digital transformation is projected to yield approximately 170 million new jobs globally over the next decade, equivalent to 14% of current global employment. Concurrently, the report estimates that around 92 million roles could be lost, leading to a net increase of 78 million jobs by the early 2030s.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of this transformation, expected to create 11 million jobs while displacing 9 million others, making it the technology trend with the most pronounced effect. Robotics and autonomous systems are identified as the most significant displacers, with a forecasted net loss of 5 million jobs within the same timeframe.
The WEF's findings highlight a gradual but profound shift in the nature of work, with an increasing integration of humans, machines, and algorithms that is redefining job functions across various sectors. Currently, respondents to the WEF’s surveys estimate that 47% of work tasks are primarily executed by humans, while technology handles 22%, with the remaining 30% being a collaborative effort. By 2030, it is expected that these figures will evolve into a more balanced distribution among human-only, technology-only, and hybrid task performance.
In this changing landscape, companies are increasingly adopting 'agentic AI' to form what is termed the autonomous enterprise. Salesforce has emerged as a leader in this innovative shift, wherein human capabilities and AI-driven insights work in tandem to maximise customer success and business outcomes.
Five key influences on job creation and loss have been identified: technological advancements, the green transition towards more sustainable practices, demographic shifts, geoeconomic fragmentation, and economic uncertainties. Technological change emerges as the most potent driver of these trends. Notably, the largest growth in job categories is projected within agricultural sectors, indicating an anticipated increase of 34 million farmworkers, augmenting the existing workforce of 200 million in this field. Additional sectors forecasted to grow include delivery drivers, software developers, building construction workers, and shop sales clerks.
The WEF report also indicates a significant transformation in the skills required for the future workforce. Employers expect 39% of essential skills to change by 2030, a notable reduction from the 44% anticipated in 2023. Among the rising competencies, technological skills rank highest in demand, particularly those related to AI, big data, and cybersecurity. Other increasingly vital skills encompass creative thinking, resilience, leadership, and analytical capabilities, illustrating a shift toward a more multifaceted skill set.
In response to the anticipated changes driven by AI, around half of businesses are reportedly realigning their organisational structures. With two-thirds of employers planning to recruit for AI-specific roles, a clear demand for skilled talent in this area is emerging. However, a significant portion of companies—about 40%—is also predicting workforce adjustments to accommodate the integration of this technology.
This evolving narrative of job creation, displacement, and the skills landscape paints a picture of a workforce in transition, with implications that extend across numerous industries and sectors. The WEF continues to explore these dynamics in its comprehensive reports, informing stakeholders about the shifting demands in the global labour market.
Source: Noah Wire Services