Future of Jobs: Technological and Green Economy Shifts by 2030

January 13, 2025
Future of Jobs: Technological and Green Economy Shifts by 2030

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 provides an in-depth analysis of the anticipated transformative changes in the global labor market projected for 2030. Leveraging insights from over 1,000 leading global employers across 22 industry clusters and 55 economies, the report offers a comprehensive overview of how various factors, including technological innovation, geoeconomic fragmentation, economic uncertainty, demographic shifts, and the green transition, will shape employment and skills trends. The report’s findings highlight both opportunities for job growth and challenges that need to be addressed through proactive strategies such as upskilling and reskilling initiatives, inclusivity, and sustainability focus.

Global Job Market Outlook

One of the most significant findings of the report is the prediction of a net job growth of 7 percent by 2030, translating to approximately 78 million new jobs. This increase is a result of creating 170 million new jobs, amounting to 14 percent of the current total employment, while displacing 92 million jobs, representing 8 percent. The expansion is likely to be driven by advancements in technology, the burgeoning green economy, and the growth of the care economy. Notably, clerical and secretarial roles are expected to see significant declines due to automation and digitalization.

Frontline jobs, such as farm workers, delivery drivers, construction workers, and food processing workers, are projected to experience substantial growth in absolute numbers. Similarly, the care economy, which includes nursing professionals, social workers, and personal care aides, alongside education-related roles like tertiary and secondary education teachers, is expected to thrive. These roles are likely to benefit from increased demand due to demographic shifts, particularly aging populations in high-income countries. The need for skilled professionals in these areas underscores the importance of preparing the workforce to meet the evolving demands of the job market by 2030.

Declining Job Roles

Advancements in automation and digitalization are anticipated to reduce the demand for roles traditionally held by postal service clerks, bank tellers, and administrative assistants. The report highlights that the skill sets of 39 percent of current workers are expected to become outdated by 2030, emphasizing the importance of upskilling and reskilling initiatives to sustain employability. As manual tasks become increasingly automated, workers will need to adapt by acquiring new skills that align with the demands of a technology-driven economy. This shift underscores the necessity of continuous learning and development to remain competitive in the labor market.

Technological advancements are predicted to be the most transformative force in reshaping the market. The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and energy technologies will create both opportunities and challenges. AI and big data, networks and cybersecurity, and technological literacy are identified as the fastest-growing skill sets, while demand for manual dexterity and physical endurance is expected to decline. Employers will be seeking talent with proficiency in these advanced technologies, making it crucial for workers to stay ahead of the curve with relevant skills training. This transition highlights the need for a collaborative effort between educational institutions, businesses, and governments to foster an adaptable and future-ready workforce.

Technological Trends and Skills Demand

Half of the surveyed employers plan to reorient their businesses in response to AI advancements, with two-thirds intending to hire talent with specific AI-related skills. However, 40 percent anticipate workforce reductions due to AI-enabled automation of tasks. The importance of complementary skills such as creative thinking, resilience, and adaptability is also gaining prominence, reflecting a broader trend toward valuing human-centric skills in the evolving job market. This shift highlights the dual impact of AI, both as a catalyst for job growth in certain sectors while potentially diminishing roles in others.

Economic uncertainty and rising living costs are set to significantly impact the labor market. The report identifies the increasing cost of living as the second-most transformative trend, with 50 percent of employers expecting it to reshape their businesses by 2030. Although global inflation is forecasted to ease to 3.5 percent by the end of 2025, elevated living costs and slower economic growth are likely to displace 1.6 million jobs globally. Consequently, there will be a growing demand for skills such as resilience, flexibility, and creative problem-solving to navigate these economic pressures. Employers and workers alike will need to adapt to these challenges by fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

Green Transition and Climate Change

The green transition constitutes a major force reshaping the labor market. Efforts toward climate change mitigation and adaptation are expected to transform nearly half of businesses, driving demand for roles such as renewable energy engineers, environmental engineers, and specialists in autonomous and electric vehicles. Environmental stewardship has emerged as one of the top 10 fastest-growing skills for the first time, highlighting the increasing importance of sustainability in the global economy. This shift towards a greener economy necessitates the development of new skills and expertise to support the transition to sustainable practices and technologies.

Demographic changes, including aging populations in high-income countries and expanding working-age populations in lower-income economies, are anticipated to drive significant demand for skills in healthcare, education, and talent management. Aging populations will necessitate increased growth in healthcare jobs, while the growth of working-age populations will bolster demand for education-related professions. These demographic shifts highlight the need for a flexible and responsive workforce capable of adapting to the evolving demands of the labor market. As the global population continues to change, the demand for skilled professionals in these critical sectors will only grow.

Geoeconomic Fragmentation

Geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions are anticipated to influence one-third of businesses, prompting many employers to offshore or reshore operations in response. These trends are fueling demand for security-related roles and skills in networks and cybersecurity, along with human-centered skills such as leadership and social influence. The complexity of navigating geopolitical challenges requires businesses to be agile and responsive, emphasizing the importance of strategic workforce planning and the development of robust cybersecurity measures to protect against emerging threats.

Despite the dynamic shifts and growth opportunities highlighted in the report, significant barriers to business transformation remain. Notably, 63 percent of employers identify skill gaps as the primary obstacle. To address these challenges, 85 percent of employers plan to prioritize upskilling their workforce, while 70 percent aim to hire staff with new skills. Nevertheless, the report cautions that 11 percent of workers globally may not receive the necessary reskilling, putting their employment prospects at risk. This highlights the urgency of addressing skill gaps through targeted initiatives and programs that enable workers to acquire the skills needed for future jobs.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are also becoming increasingly prominent, with 83 percent of employers reporting the implementation of such programs, up from 67 percent in 2023. These initiatives are designed to expand talent pools and enhance workforce representation, especially in North America and among larger employers. The emphasis on diversity and inclusion reflects a broader commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive labor market that leverages diverse perspectives and talents. As businesses continue to evolve, fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion will be key to driving innovation and growth.

Conclusion

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 gives a thorough analysis of the expected major changes in the global job market by 2030. Drawing from insights provided by over 1,000 leading employers worldwide across 22 industry clusters and 55 economies, this report delivers an inclusive view of how factors such as technological advancements, geoeconomic fragmentation, economic instability, demographic changes, and the shift towards green energy will influence employment and skill trends. Key findings from the report indicate both job growth opportunities and challenges that need to be tackled. Strategies such as upskilling and reskilling initiatives, promoting inclusivity, and focusing on sustainability are essential to address these challenges. This report underscores the importance of proactive measures in preparing the workforce for the future demands of the global economy, ensuring that workers are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive amidst evolving job landscapes.

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