As we navigate the transformative landscape of the next decade, businesses, workers, and policymakers must align to harness unprecedented opportunities and mitigate challenges. From AI-driven automation to green energy transitions, the economic fabric of work is being rewoven.

Macro Trends Shaping the Workforce

Several powerful forces will define the global labor market between 2025 and 2030. Understanding these drivers is critical for stakeholders aiming to thrive.

• Unprecedented rapid technological advancement through AI, robotics, and digitalization
• Broadening digital access worldwide enabling new business models
• Emerging climate-change mitigation initiatives fueling green transition jobs
• Geoeconomic fragmentation and uncertainty reshaping trade and investments
• Demographic shifts in lower-middle-income countries driving population growth

These intertwined dynamics will influence how companies operate, where talent emerges, and which skills become indispensable.

Labor Market Forecasts: Displacement and Creation

Automation will reshape employment dramatically. By 2030, an estimated 92 million jobs may be displaced, while 170 million new roles emerge, leading to a net gain of 78 million positions globally.

The fastest-growing roles center on technology and sustainability, such as Big Data Specialists, AI and Machine Learning Engineers, and Green Energy Technicians. Meanwhile, routine entry-level positions in software support and customer service face the highest automation risk.

Frontline sectors—agriculture, delivery, construction, caregiving—will continue to expand. This reflects the deep collaboration between humans and AI, where human-centric skills complement machine efficiency.

Reskilling and Skills Transformation

As tasks evolve, so must our competencies. By 2025, 44% of workers will require significant reskilling or upskilling within five years. Organizations recognize this urgency, with 85% prioritizing learning initiatives.

• Technical skills: AI literacy, cybersecurity, data analytics, digital fluency
• Human skills: creative problem-solving, adaptability, resilience, leadership

Addressing a 63% employer-reported skill gap is essential. Tailored, industry-aligned training programs and swift business-aligned training programs can close divides and prepare workforces for emerging roles.

Work Arrangements and Productivity Gains

Remote and flexible work models are here to stay. By 2030, 25% of digital roles will likely be fully remote, supported by asynchronous collaboration tools and agile project-based assignments.

Generative AI adoption could boost labor productivity by up to 15% in developed economies, translating into faster service delivery and enhanced innovation. However, the transition may temporarily raise unemployment by about half a percentage point, emphasizing the need for social safety nets.

Economic and Social Outcomes

Employers are adjusting wage strategies to attract talent. Over half anticipate allocating a larger revenue share to wages by 2030. Those with AI skills already enjoy a 56% wage premium, especially in financial services and energy.

GDP could receive a 1.2% annual boost from full AI integration. Yet, slower overall growth and inflation pressures persist, with IMF projections of 3.2% GDP growth and 3.5% inflation by end-2025.

Attention to youth and vulnerable demographics is vital. Despite low global unemployment, lower-middle-income regions face unique challenges in job creation and skills access. Policies must foster inclusive workforce policies to ensure equitable opportunities.

Policy and Business Strategies

Effective responses require collaboration between governments and enterprises. Key focus areas include lifelong learning, green investment incentives, and reinforced worker protections.

• Implement comprehensive lifelong learning frameworks for continuous skill development
• Offer tax credits and subsidies for green transition investments
• Strengthen social safety nets for gig and project-based workers

Businesses should devise workforce strategies that balance automation with human talent retention. Sixty-six percent plan to hire specialized AI skills, while four in ten may reduce headcount in automated tasks.

Embracing the Future with Purpose

The evolving world of work presents both promise and peril. By championing collaborative innovation and resilience and adaptability skills, we can navigate disruption and foster sustainable growth.

Stakeholders at all levels—employees, employers, educators, and policymakers—must unite around a shared vision. Investing in human capital, designing inclusive policies, and leveraging technology responsibly will determine our collective success.

Together, we can transform challenges into catalysts for progress, ensuring the future of work delivers prosperity, equity, and innovation for all.