41% of Employers to Cut Jobs by 2030 Due to AI

The World Economic Forum's (WEF) latest Future of Jobs Report reveals a transformative outlook for the global workforce as businesses adapt to emerging technologies, particularly generative AI. Based on a survey of 1,000 employers covering over 14 million workers across 22 industries, the report highlights a complex picture of job growth, skill demands, and automation-driven disruptions.

Generative AI and Workforce Restructuring

Generative AI is reshaping job expectations, with 77% of employers planning to upskill existing staff for AI integration. However, 41% expect to reduce staff as AI automates repetitive or knowledge-intensive tasks. Industries like graphic design and legal services face significant headwinds. For the first time, graphic designers and legal secretaries are predicted to experience notable declines in demand, driven by AI's capacity to generate professional-grade graphics and process legal documentation with minimal human input.

These shifts underscore the rapid evolution of generative AI tools, which, while controversial, have undeniably impacted traditional workflows.

Fastest-Growing Skills for 2030

The report identifies a blend of technical and soft skills as pivotal for the future workforce. Among the fastest-growing skills are:

• Technology-related skills: AI, big data, networks, cybersecurity, and tech literacy.
• Human-centric skills: Creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, agility, curiosity, and lifelong learning.

This mix reflects the dual demands of navigating a tech-driven economy while creating adaptive and innovative mindsets.

Job Growth Amid Automation

Despite concerns over automation and job displacement, the report offers optimistic projections. Between 2025 and 2030, global job markets are expected to see net growth, with 170 million new jobs created, and 92 million displaced, resulting in a 7% increase in total employment (78 million jobs).

Key drivers of this growth include structural labor-market transformations and productivity enhancements enabled by technology. Both machines and humans are anticipated to perform higher-value tasks in less time, countering fears of "running out of work" due to automation.

Challenges in Workforce Readiness

One of the report's key takeaways is a skills gap that threatens to hinder productivity. Many employers believe their workers lack the capabilities to adapt to technological advancements, emphasizing the urgent need for upskilling initiatives. Health and well-being are also emerging as priorities in attracting talent, particularly in countries like the U.S., where healthcare access remains deeply tied to employment.

The Bigger Picture

While technology promises increased efficiency, its integration into the workforce requires careful management to ensure humans remain integral to the process. For some roles, like graphic designers, the changes might signal a challenging future. However, for other professions, the rise of AI could create opportunities for more meaningful, value-added work.

The report serves as both a warning and a roadmap for businesses and workers to prepare for the next wave of industrial transformation. The challenge will be balancing automation with human adaptability, ensuring that technology uplifts rather than displaces the workforce.