THE global labour market is on the brink of a seismic transformation, with 92 million jobs projected to be displaced by 2030 due to technological advancements, economic pressures, and demographic changes.

However, 170 million new positions are expected to emerge, resulting in a net gain of 78 million jobs, according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025
. This shift will impact 22 per cent of current roles globally.

Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are poised to drive job displacement, particularly in clerical and administrative roles such as cashiers, data entry clerks, and bank tellers. Even creative professions like graphic designers and legal secretaries are vulnerable as AI increasingly performs tasks traditionally requiring human ingenuity, the report said.

Conversely, technology will also spur growth in specialised roles such as big data specialists, fintech engineers, and AI experts. The green transition will further boost demand for renewable energy engineers and environmental specialists.

Demographic trends will play a critical role in reshaping the labour market. Aging populations in high-income countries are expected to drive demand for healthcare professionals while reducing the need for clerical workers. Meanwhile, growing working-age populations in low-income economies will fuel demand for education-related roles. However, regional disparities persist: high-income economies benefit from robust reskilling infrastructure but face labour shortages, whereas low-income regions grapple with high youth unemployment despite expanding workforces.

Geopolitical tensions are reshaping global supply chains as businesses respond to trade restrictions by reshoring operations. This trend is driving demand for security analysts, strategic advisors, and logistics specialists. Increased government subsidies and industrial policies are also influencing workforce strategies across sectors.

By 2030, 39 per cent of workers’ core skills will need to change. Analytical thinking, resilience, flexibility, and AI proficiency are among the most sought-after competencies. Emerging skills include environmental stewardship and big data expertise. Employers expect that nearly 59 per cent of workers will require reskilling by 2030, with internal mobility and external hiring becoming pivotal workforce strategies.

The report underscores the urgency of proactive reskilling efforts and inclusive policies to navigate these transformations successfully. Diversity initiatives have gained traction globally, with 83 per cent of employers adopting equity-focused strategies. Public-private partnerships in reskilling programmes are seen as crucial for addressing talent gaps.