According to the latest “Future of Jobs Report” released by the World Economic Forum, the rapidly expanding use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaking up the global job scene big time. The report reveals a whopping 41% of employers worldwide anticipate shrinking their workforce by 2030 as AI tech continues to advance and automation levels up. However, it’s not all doom and gloom! The report also highlights a glitter of hope between 2025 and 2030, projecting a net job growth as new roles sprout up, surpassing those swallowed by automation.
A recent survey shows that a whopping 77% of employers are planning to roll out AI-related skills training for their team, yet there’s still a huge gap as many employees currently lack the chops to keep up with the lightning-fast shifts in tech. “AI and Big Data” have emerged as the fastest-growing skill areas, quickly followed by “Cybersecurity” and “Tech Literacy”. On top of that, the importance of soft skills like “Creative Thinking”, “Adaptability”, and the ability to “Continuously Learn” is also on the rise. So, whether you’re a tech wizard or just tech-curious, staying updated and adaptable is the new must-have skill set.
According to the latest scoop, graphic designers and legal secretaries are about to hit a major rough patch, expected to face a serious downturn. Generative AI is now crafting complex visuals with just a few keystrokes, potentially phasing out parts of these roles. This is a stark change from previous reports, which had pegged graphic design as an industry on the rise. Looks like it’s time for a career glow-up or to seriously befriend AI – whichever comes first!
The two professions most profoundly impacted by AI are:
- Graphic Designer
- Legal Secretary
The report also highlights that the key skills trending in the future workplace can mirror the job types most likely to be impacted by AI. Consequently, positions lacking these skills are more vulnerable to disruption, while those equipped with them will stay competitive.
However, the report does bring some good news. Projections indicate that from 2025 to 2030, structural changes in the labor market are expected to affect 22% of job positions. Of these changes, about 14% of existing total jobs, approximately 170 million, will be new opportunities created, while about 8%, roughly 92 million jobs, will be phased out. Ultimately, the global job market is set to experience a net growth of 7%, translating to about 78 million new job opportunities.
The report highlights that, despite the leaps in AI and technology boosting productivity, the collaboration between humans and machines is set to reach unprecedented levels in the future. “By 2030, the synergy between humans and machines might significantly enhance productivity, enabling more high-value tasks to be accomplished in less time.” Therefore, for many professions, the fear of losing jobs to automation might just be an unnecessary worry.
The survey also indicates that, going forward, there will be an increased focus on health benefits to attract talent, especially in regions where medical coverage is lacking.
