New Delhi: The global workforce is set to experience seismic change by 2030 with unprecedented job disruptions and opportunities, according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025. The report highlights that 170 million new jobs will be created by 2030, while 22 per cent of jobs are likely to be disrupted. It also highlights that 92 million jobs will be displaced, while 78 million jobs will be added to the net.
The WEF’s Future of Jobs report 2025 is based on data from more than 1,000 companies. The skills gap in the workplace remains a major obstacle to business transformation, with nearly 63 per cent of employers already citing it as the top barrier they face. Demand will see a boost for technical skills in AI, big data and cybersecurity, while human skills such as creative thinking and agility will remain critical.
The report found that frontline roles and essential sectors such as care and education will see the highest growth in jobs by 2030. Technological or specialist roles are in high demand due to advances in AI and renewable energy.
“Trends such as generative AI and rapid technological shifts are upending industries and labour markets, creating both unprecedented opportunities and profound risks,” said Till Leopold, Head of Work, Wages and Job Creation at the World Economic Forum.
The job market in 2030
The roles such as agricultural workers, delivery drivers and construction workers will be in high demand by 2030. There will be a significant increase in care jobs such as nursing professionals and education roles. There will be a surge in specialist roles in renewable energy and environmental engineering due to advances in AI, robotics and energy systems. With AI and advanced technology, there will be a decline in roles such as cashiers and administrative assistants.
Skill gap
The WEF’s Future of Jobs Report shows startling statistics regarding the skills gap, with 63 per cent of employers believing it to be a major obstacle to business transformation. It also found that 59 out of 100 people will need to re-skill or up-skill by 2030. Explore the top 10 fastest-growing skills by 2030 –
- AI and big data
- Networks and cybersecurity
- Technological literacy
- Creative thinking
- Resilience, flexibility and agility
- Curiosity and lifelong learning
- Leadership and social influence
- Talent management
- Analytical thinking
- Environmental stewardship
Global inflation and slowing economic growth could displace 6 million jobs worldwide by 2030. Demographic changes in the labour market, particularly in high-income countries, will be driven by ageing populations. Nearly 34 per cent of businesses expressed concern amid geopolitical tensions. To address the challenges, collective action from government and businesses is needed. The key areas to address include reducing skills gaps and investing heavily in upskilling.
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