Broadening digital access is poised to be the most transformative trend for businesses by 2030, according to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report.
Some 60% of employers expect it to impact their operations, driven by advancements in AI, robotics, and energy technologies. The advances will create demand for technology-related skills such as AI, big data, and cybersecurity while simultaneously reshaping the job market.
Economic pressures and climate change
The rising cost of living is the second-most influential trend, with 50% of businesses anticipating it will transform their operations. While inflation may hinder net job creation, it is expected to spur demand for skills such as creative thinking, resilience, and flexibility.
Climate change ranks as the third-most transformative force, driving growth in demand for green jobs like renewable energy engineers and autonomous vehicle specialists. Companies increasingly value environmental stewardship, which has entered the top 10 fastest-growing skill sets for the first time.
Changing workforce demographics
Demographic changes, including aging populations in high-income countries and expanding workforces in lower-income regions, are reshaping global labor markets, fuelling growth in healthcare roles, such as nursing professionals, and education-related professions, including higher education teachers.
Meanwhile, geoeconomic fragmentation and rising geopolitical tensions are expected to transform 34% of businesses, driving demand for security-related roles and skills in leadership, flexibility, and social influence. Companies are also reshoring operations to mitigate against supply chain disruptions.
The labor market is set to undergo significant transformation, says the report, with job creation and displacement affecting 22% of current roles. By 2030, 170million jobs are projected to be created, offsetting the loss of 92million jobs, resulting in a net increase of 78million positions globally. Frontline jobs, like delivery drivers and construction workers, will see the largest growth, alongside technology-related roles such as AI specialists and fintech engineers. Conversely, clerical and secretarial jobs, including cashiers and data entry clerks, are expected to decline.
Evolving skill demands
By 2030, 39% of current skill sets are predicted to become outdated, underscoring the need for reskilling. Analytical thinking remains the most sought-after skill, followed by resilience, flexibility, and leadership. Skills related to AI, big data, and technology literacy are also expected to grow in importance, while manual dexterity and endurance will decline.
The report predicts that 59% of the global workforce will require training by 2030, with 85% of employers planning to upskill their staff. For the 11% of workers that may not receive the training needed, their employment may be at risk.
Inclusion and talent retention
Although the headlines may suggest otherwist, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are gaining momentum, says the report, with 83% of employers now implementing them, compared to 67% in 2023. Supporting employee well-being has also emerged as a critical strategy for attracting talent, with 64% of businesses prioritizing it.
Preparing for an artificially intelligence future
Half of employers are planning to reorient their business strategies around AI. Two-thirds intend to hire AI-skilled workers, while 40% foresee workforce reductions due to automation.
As businesses navigate these shifts, investment in reskilling, upskilling, and DEI initiatives will be crucial for building a resilient, future-ready workforce.