Future of Work 2025: WEF report sets out the unsurprising but profound changes ahead

The latest Future of Jobs Report from the World Economic Forum forecasts profound but entirely unsurprising changes across global labour markets over the next five years, as technological breakthroughs, demographic shifts, and the green transition redefine the physical and digital workplace. Drawing on insights from over 1,000 employers, representing more than 14 million workers across 55 economies, the report on the future of work claims that technological change—particularly the rise of generative AI (GenAI)—will be the most powerful driver of workplace transformation by 2030. Broadening digital access is expected to reshape six in ten businesses, followed closely by AI and robotics, which are both forecast to simultaneously create and displace jobs on a massive scale.

While 170 million new jobs are predicted to emerge, primarily in technology, care, and green sectors, some 92 million roles are expected to disappear, resulting in a net job gain of 78 million, or 7 percent of current global employment. Roles in big data, AI, and renewable energy are among the fastest-growing, while clerical positions such as data entry clerks and bank tellers are poised for steep declines.

Notably, frontline and essential workers will see strong growth in absolute numbers. This includes farmworkers, delivery drivers, and care providers, as demographic changes—particularly ageing populations—fuel demand in healthcare and education. Meanwhile, growing working-age populations in lower-income countries are expected to shape the future workforce but face risks if job creation and training don’t keep pace.

The report also suggests that 39 percent of current skills will be outdated by 2030, although this represents a slowing trend in skill disruption compared to previous years. Analytical thinking remains the most valued skill, followed by resilience, flexibility, and leadership. Demand for AI and big data skills will continue to grow, placing pressure on employers to reskill and upskill staff—particularly as nearly 60 percent of the global workforce is estimated to require training in the next five years.

With 60 percent of employers expecting digital access and AI to significantly reshape the future of work by 2030, the future office will need to support increasingly tech-integrated, hybrid working patterns. The rise of generative AI (GenAI), automation, and smart systems calls for flexible, tech-enabled spaces that can accommodate both solo deep work and human-machine collaboration. Office design will need to anticipate less rigid, more modular environments that reflect a fluid blend of physical and digital workflows, the report argues.

According to the report, workplace wellbeing has emerged as a top priority: 64 percent of employers now see supporting employee health and wellbeing as key to attracting and retaining talent. Office designers will need to integrate biophilic design, natural light, quiet zones, and wellness features into the workplace to support mental health and productivity.

Half of employers say they plan to re-orient their businesses around AI, with two-thirds intending to hire talent with specific AI skills. For office designers, this brings new questions: How should spaces be configured when AI becomes a co-worker? How do we balance the digital with the human, especially when technology could automate tasks across multiple departments?