Quick Intro
If you’re new to my work, my name is Lester, but feel free to call me Les. I’m a founder with a successful exit under my belt. These days, I’m the exec chair for a group of ecom brands, but at my core, I’m an award-winning performance marketer. Needless to say, data and insights are my jam. We operate more like a data company than an ecom brand. Our secret sauce is pairing data and insights with ideas that generate revenue.
Key Takeaways I Got from the Report
As I mentioned earlier, this report is very thorough and 290 pages deep, but I wanted to focus on the areas that are the most helpful for revenue and understanding the possible landscape.
1. Job Creation and Decline
So, the hot topic is whether AI will take our jobs. The answer is maybe, but you’ll probably have a new one. According to the WEF, a net 78 million jobs will be added by 2030. This includes 170 million new jobs created (14% growth) and 92 million jobs lost (8% decline).
2. New Skills
By 2030, about 39% of skills will be outdated or completely transformed. Honestly, it’s not shocking; it’s kind of expected. The fastest-growing skills are AI, big data, networks, and cybersecurity. What caught my attention was that the report mentioned soft skills like resilience, creativity, and flexibility, but I found it even more interesting that lifelong learning made the list. The report also noted that 70% of employers consider analytical skills the most essential.
3. Upskilling and Reskilling
The report says that by 2030, 59% of the global workforce will need training. Of this, 29% will be upskilled in their current role, 19% will transition to a new role with additional training, and 11% will risk unemployment without it. The report also highlights that 85% of employers plan to prioritize upskilling, while 70% aim to hire talent with new skills.
4. Talent and Workforce Strategy
64% of employers will prioritize health and well-being to get new talent. I won’t lie; I’ll believe that one when I see it. The report mentions that diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives have increased to 83% adoption globally. However, President Trump is rolling back some of these programs, raising questions about whether other countries and corporations will follow suit. It’s unclear how this will unfold. Nonetheless, wage alignment with a focus on productivity and talent retention will be key, with 52% of employers planning to allocate more revenue to wages by 2030. Again, I’ll believe it when I see it, but I’m hopeful.
5. AI’s Impact on Workforce
Alas, the juicy bit… Half of the employers plan to reorient business strategies in response to the rise of AI. In fact, 2 in 3 plan to hire for AI-specific skills (this is where the new jobs will come from). 40% of those same businesses also think their workforce will shrink due to AI automating tasks. On the surface, this might seem like doom and gloom, but remember, we are talking about 78 million new jobs by 2030. It is safe to assume some of that workforce will find employment in companies that don’t exist yet.
Your Big Opportunity
It is no secret that AI is supposed to be the next big thing. I believe this topic goes a lot deeper, and I talk more about that here.
Conclusion
The Future of Jobs Report 2025 is a treasure trove of information, but the one thing that will go unnoticed is the soft skills of resilience, creativity, and flexibility. I agree 1000%, but do you know what was not mentioned? Communication! This is probably the most critical skill you can learn as we move into the future.
FAQs
Q: What are the key takeaways from the report?
A: The report highlights the need for upskilling and reskilling, the growth of new jobs, and the importance of soft skills like communication, creativity, and flexibility.
Q: What are the fastest-growing jobs?
A: The report mentions AI-related, Fintech, and Engineers as the fastest-growing jobs.
Q: How will AI impact the workforce?
A: AI will automate tasks, but it will also create new jobs in areas like AI-specific skills, Fintech, and renewable energy.
Q: What are the key skills employers are looking for?
A: Employers are looking for analytical skills, soft skills like resilience, creativity, and flexibility, and lifelong learning.
Q: How can I make the most of this opportunity?
A: Focus on developing your soft skills, perfect your craft, and embrace AI to separate yourself from the competition.
