The global labor market is projected to experience a 14% job growth by 2030, offset by an 8 per cent decline, according to the World Economic Forum‘s Future of Jobs Report 2025. While the outlook is positive, skills development will be essential to help workers transition into emerging roles shaped by evolving demands in the labor market.
Nearly 40% of core skills to change by 2030
By 2030, 39 per cent of workers’ core skills are expected to change. This shift underscores the importance of continuous learning, upskilling, and reskilling to prepare workers for the rapidly changing job market. Employers must prioritise training to equip their workforce with the competencies required for future roles.
Digital access as a key driver
The report highlights growing digital access as a transformative macro trend, projected to create 19 million new jobs by 2030 while displacing 9 million. AI and data processing alone will generate 11 million roles but replace 9 million, making technological adaptation critical. Even creative fields, such as graphic design, will face disruptions due to generative AI. The following jobs are projected to decline:
Top 10 fastest declining jobs
- Postal service clerks
- Bank tellers and related clerks
- Data entry clerks
- Cashiers and ticket clerks
- Administrative assistants and executive secretaries
- Printing and related trades workers
- Accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll clerks
- Material-recording and stock-keeping clerks
- Transportation attendants and conductors
- Door-to-door sales workers and street vendors
The report highlights roles facing the sharpest decline, driven by automation, digital payments, and the growth of self-service technologies.
Human-machine collaboration and productivity
By 2030, the balance between humans, technology, and human-machine collaboration will shift dramatically:
Task Allocation: Tasks will be evenly split among humans (33 per cent), technology (33 per cent), and collaboration (33 per cent), compared to 47 per cent human-only tasks today.
Sector variations: Industries like Insurance and Telecommunications will see the largest automation-driven task reductions, while sectors such as Healthcare and Government will rely more on collaboration.
Productivity gains: Both humans and machines are expected to achieve significant productivity improvements.
Economic trends impacting jobs
Slow economic growth: A net job loss of 1 million is expected, with declining roles for managers and sales professionals.
Rising cost of living: This trend will drive 4 million new jobs while displacing 3 million, with growth in efficiency-focused roles like AI Specialists, Business Developers, and Supply Chain Experts.
Adapting to changing skills
The combination of technological innovation and economic uncertainty will reshape labor dynamics. To navigate this transformation, employers and workers must prioritize adaptability, with a strong focus on reskilling and upskilling. Continuous learning will be the cornerstone of preparing for the future labor market.
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