Navigating the Future of Work 2025-2030 – updated for 2025

As we navigate 2025, the global labour market is at a transformative juncture. With advancements in AI, shifting economic conditions, and the imperative of sustainability, businesses face unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Drawing insights from the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 (and 2023, 2024), PwC’s AI Jobs Barometer this blog explores how organisations and workers can thrive in the evolving world of work.

1. Macrotrends Driving Workforce Transformation

Technological Advancements

Technology is reshaping job landscapes, with AI and robotics leading the charge. The Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights that 86% of surveyed employers believe AI and information processing technologies will transform their businesses by 2030. Similarly, PwC’s AI Jobs Barometer underscores that demand for roles like AI Specialists, Data Scientists, and Big Data Analysts has skyrocketed.

The Green Transition

Climate change is not just an environmental issue but an economic driver. Investments in decarbonisation and renewable energy are creating roles such as Renewable Energy Engineers and Environmental Scientists. Employers are increasingly prioritising green skills, recognising their critical role in achieving sustainability goals.

Demographic Shifts

An ageing workforce in high-income countries and a growing working-age population in developing regions present contrasting challenges. PwC research shows that countries leveraging these demographic changes through effective reskilling strategies can unlock significant economic benefits.

2. Winners and Losers in the Job Market

Fastest-Growing Roles

Roles linked to AI, sustainability, and digital transformation are expanding rapidly. Jobs like AI Specialists, FinTech Engineers, and Renewable Energy Technicians are expected to see double-digit growth. These roles are driven by technological innovation and the shift towards a greener economy.

Declining Roles

On the flip side, clerical and administrative jobs, such as Data Entry Clerks and Bank Tellers, are declining due to automation. PwC’s analysis shows that these changes require significant investment in reskilling to prevent widespread job displacement.

3. The Skills of the Future

The Future of Jobs Report 2025 reveals that 39% of current skills will be outdated by 2030. Critical skills include:

• Analytical Thinking: Highlighted as the top skill by 70% of employers.

• Resilience and Flexibility: Essential for navigating economic uncertainties.

• Technological Literacy: A key driver of growth in AI and big data-related roles.

PwC’s AI Jobs Barometer emphasises the rising importance of lifelong learning, with individuals and organisations needing to embrace continuous skill development.

4. Unlocking Human-Machine Collaboration

A critical question in the future of work is: How can we balance automation with augmentation? PwC’s research highlights that while automation will displace certain tasks, collaborative models where humans and machines work together can unlock unparalleled productivity. For example, AI can enhance decision-making in healthcare and finance, enabling workers to focus on high-value tasks.

5. Policies and Strategies for the Future

To harness the potential of these changes, organisations must:

1. Invest in Reskilling: 85% of employers in the Future of Jobs Survey plan to upskill their workforce by 2030. This includes offering tailored training programmes aligned with emerging job roles.

2. Foster Inclusion: Diversity and inclusion initiatives are crucial for tapping into underutilised talent pools. The report shows that companies with such initiatives experience higher productivity and innovation.

3. Embed AI Responsibly: PwC advocates for the ethical use of AI, ensuring transparency and fairness in its application.

Conclusion

The future of work is both promising and challenging. By embracing innovation, investing in human capital, and adopting inclusive practices, businesses and workers can thrive in this dynamic environment. The insights from the Future of Jobs Report 2025 and PwC’s AI Jobs Barometer highlight the critical need for collaboration across governments, businesses, and civil society to shape a workforce ready for 2030 and beyond.

What’s your organisation doing to prepare for these transformations? Let’s spark a conversation about shaping the future of work together.