The Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum (WEF)
By: Mian Ishaq. > Sun Jan 12, 2025
World Economic Forum offers a detailed exploration of the evolving job landscape, particularly focusing on the impact of AI automation. While initial headlines—such as CNN’s emphasis on potential workforce reductions—may invoke concern, the full report presents a more balanced outlook, suggesting both significant job displacement and notable job creation in the coming years.
Key Findings from the WEF Report
- Job Creation vs. Job Elimination
• AI-driven changes are expected to result in the elimination of 92 million jobs, especially those involving repetitive, manual tasks.
• Simultaneously, AI and technological advancements could create 170 million new jobs in areas such as technology development, digital transformation, data analysis, and renewable energy.
• The net effect of these shifts would be a gain of 78 million jobs by 2030. - Sectors Most Affected List
• Job loss is anticipated to occur primarily in roles susceptible to automation, such as:
• Administrative support
• Manufacturing
• Data entry
• Conversely, growth sectors include:
• Green economy roles: Clean energy, environmental specialists
• Technology-driven roles: AI specialists, cybersecurity experts, robotics engineers
• Human-centric roles: Education, healthcare, and social services, where emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills remain critical.- Skills in Demand
• With AI transforming the nature of work, demand for new skill sets is rapidly increasing. These include:
• Digital skills: Data literacy, cloud computing, and AI proficiency
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Soft skills: Communication, creativity, and adaptability
• Lifelong learning and reskilling are becoming essential to remain relevant in this changing landscape.- Geographical Impacts
• Regions with robust technological infrastructure and progressive education systems are likely to benefit more from AI-driven job creation.
• Developing economies might face greater challenges due to slower adoption of new technologies and limited access to reskilling programs.
A Nuanced Outlook
Despite the headline-grabbing statistic of 40% of companies planning workforce reductions, the broader message of the WEF report is one of transition rather than mere loss. Automation is not only about replacing jobs; it’s also about transforming how work is performed and creating new opportunities in emerging sectors. However, this optimistic scenario hinges on the global workforce’s ability to adapt and reskill.
Challenges to Consider
- Reskilling Gap:
The pace of AI adoption may outstrip the capacity of current educational and training institutions to reskill displaced workers. - Economic Disparities:
Wealthier nations and individuals with access to advanced training will benefit disproportionately, potentially exacerbating economic inequality. - Psychological and Social Impact:
Job displacement, even when accompanied by job creation, can cause significant stress and uncertainty for individuals and communities.
Policy Recommendations
To ensure a positive outcome from these shifts, policymakers and businesses must collaborate to:
• Invest in education and training programs that focus on future-ready skills.
• Promote inclusive technological adoption, ensuring that smaller businesses and underserved communities can benefit from automation.
• Support displaced workers through unemployment benefits, retraining subsidies, and mental health services.
The WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025 underscores the dual nature of AI’s impact on the job market. While certain roles will become obsolete, the emergence of new industries and job categories offers substantial opportunities. The key to a net-positive outcome lies in proactive strategies around reskilling, education, and equitable access to technological advancements. If handled effectively, AI could usher in an era of unprecedented innovation and job creation, but without thoughtful intervention, it risks leaving many behind.
Declining Job Categories Due to AI and Automation
The Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights several job categories that are likely to face significant declines due to the growing adoption of AI, robotics, and other automation technologies. These roles primarily involve repetitive, rule-based tasks that machines can perform more efficiently than humans. Below is a detailed analysis of key declining job categories:
1. Administrative and Clerical Jobs
These roles involve routine, data-driven tasks that can be easily automated using AI-powered software.
• Examples:
• Data Entry Clerks
• Administrative Assistants
• Payroll Clerks
• Reason for Decline:
Automation tools can process large volumes of data with higher accuracy and speed, reducing the need for manual input and supervision.
2. Manufacturing and Production Jobs
The manufacturing sector has long been susceptible to automation, and the trend is expected to accelerate with the rise of advanced robotics and AI-driven production lines.
• Examples:
• Assembly Line Workers
• Machine Operators
• Quality Control Inspectors
• Reason for Decline:
Industrial robots, sensors, and AI systems can handle complex manufacturing tasks, reduce errors, and improve production efficiency.
3. Retail and Cashier Roles
Retail operations are increasingly adopting self-checkout systems and AI-driven inventory management, reducing the need for human workers.
• Examples:
• Cashiers
• Stock Clerks
• Retail Sales Associates
• Reason for Decline:
Automated checkout systems, online shopping platforms, and AI-driven supply chain management reduce the need for front-line retail staff.
4. Customer Support Roles
AI chatbots and virtual assistants are becoming more advanced in handling customer queries, reducing the need for human intervention.
• Examples:
• Call Center Agents
• Customer Service Representatives
• Reason for Decline:
AI-powered customer support tools can handle common inquiries 24/7, improving efficiency and lowering costs for businesses.
5. Traditional Banking Roles
As financial institutions adopt digital platforms and AI-driven advisory tools, many traditional roles in banking are becoming redundant.
• Examples:
• Bank Tellers
• Loan Processors
• Account Clerks
• Reason for Decline:
Online banking, automated loan approval systems, and robo-advisors are reducing the need for human intermediaries in financial transactions.
6. Postal and Courier Services
With the rise of email, digital communication, and automated logistics, traditional postal services are experiencing a decline in demand.
• Examples:
• Postal Service Clerks
• Mail Sorters
• Delivery Personnel (in some regions)
• Reason for Decline:
E-commerce logistics companies are adopting automated sorting, drone delivery, and AI-driven route optimization.
7. Agricultural Labor
Automation in agriculture, through the use of AI-driven machinery and precision farming technologies, is reducing the reliance on manual labor.
• Examples:
• Farm Laborers
• Crop Pickers
• Reason for Decline:
Automated harvesters, drones for crop monitoring, and AI systems for irrigation and pest control improve productivity with fewer human workers.
8. Routine Legal and Accounting Roles
AI-driven tools can now handle routine legal and accounting tasks, such as document review and financial auditing.
• Examples:
• Paralegals
• Legal Secretaries
• Bookkeepers
• Reason for Decline:
AI tools like e-discovery platforms and automated accounting software can perform tasks faster and more accurately than humans.
9. Travel and Hospitality Service Roles
With the rise of online travel booking platforms and self-service kiosks in hospitality, many roles in this sector are declining.
• Examples:
• Travel Agents
• Hotel Receptionists
• Reason for Decline:
Digital platforms provide customers with direct access to services, reducing the need for intermediaries.
10. Printing and Publishing Jobs
The shift towards digital content has drastically reduced the demand for traditional printing and publishing roles.
• Examples:
• Print Machine Operators
• Publishers
• Reason for Decline:
The growth of digital media and on-demand publishing has diminished the need for large-scale printing operations.
Summary Table of Declining Job Categories
Category Examples Primary Cause
Administrative & Clerical Data Entry, Admin Assistants AI-powered office tools and process automation
Manufacturing & Production Assembly Line Workers, Operators Advanced robotics and AI-driven manufacturing
Retail & Cashier Roles Cashiers, Stock Clerks Self-checkout systems and online retail
Customer Support Call Center Agents AI chatbots and virtual assistants
Banking Bank Tellers, Loan Processors Online banking and automated advisory services
Postal Services Postal Clerks, Mail Sorters Automated logistics and digital communication
Agricultural Labor Farm Workers Precision farming and automated harvesting
Legal & Accounting Paralegals, Bookkeepers AI in legal research and automated accounting
Travel & Hospitality Travel Agents, Receptionists Online booking platforms and self-service kiosks
Printing & Publishing Print Machine Operators Shift to digital media
Final Thoughts
While these job categories face declines, the report emphasizes that displaced workers can transition into emerging roles through reskilling and upskilling initiatives. Jobs requiring human creativity, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking are expected to remain resilient in the face of automation. Thus, proactive measures, including continuous learning and adapting to technological advancements, are crucial for navigating this transformative era in the workforce.
Longer-Term AI Jobs Outlook: A Comprehensive Analysis
As we look beyond the immediate future of AI-driven workforce transformations, the longer-term outlook for jobs in an AI-driven economy reveals complex dynamics. While many job categories will face decline due to automation, AI’s long-term influence is projected to reshape the global workforce in profound ways, creating new opportunities, redefining existing roles, and spurring entirely new industries. Below is an in-depth exploration of how AI will influence jobs over the next two to three decades.
1. Job Polarization and the Rise of Hybrid Roles
AI will likely intensify job polarization, with high-skill, high-wage jobs growing in number while low-skill, low-wage jobs decline. However, a critical trend will be the emergence of hybrid roles—jobs that blend human creativity, emotional intelligence, and technical proficiency with AI-enhanced tools. These roles will not only require domain expertise but also the ability to collaborate effectively with AI systems.
Emerging Hybrid Roles:
• AI-Augmented Healthcare Professionals:
Medical professionals who leverage AI for diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient care will dominate healthcare. While AI can assist with analyzing vast datasets (e.g., medical imaging, genetic information), human judgment and empathy remain essential.
• Creative Technologists:
Fields such as content creation, design, and entertainment will see a rise in professionals who use AI tools for ideation, scriptwriting, and multimedia production while retaining human oversight and originality.
• AI-Enhanced Educators:
Teachers and trainers will increasingly use AI-powered platforms to deliver personalized learning experiences, focusing on higher-order cognitive skills, mentorship, and emotional support.
2. Expansion of AI-Centric Professions
Long-term AI adoption will lead to the creation of new professions directly tied to the development, maintenance, and ethical oversight of AI systems. These roles will demand advanced technical knowledge, creativity, and a strong ethical foundation.
Key AI-Centric Professions:
• AI Ethics Officers:
As AI becomes integral to decision-making in critical areas such as law enforcement, healthcare, and finance, professionals who ensure ethical compliance, fairness, and transparency will be in high demand.
• AI Governance and Regulation Experts:
Governments and international organizations will require specialists who can craft policies, standards, and frameworks to regulate AI’s deployment and mitigate risks.
• Robotics and Autonomous Systems Engineers:
With AI-powered robots being deployed in manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and defense, engineers specializing in robotics and autonomous systems will play a crucial role.
• Human-Machine Interface Designers:
As human-AI collaboration increases, there will be significant demand for professionals who design intuitive interfaces that enhance interaction between humans and AI-driven systems.
3. Growth in AI-Complementary Jobs
AI will automate many repetitive tasks, but it will also create a growing demand for jobs that complement AI systems by providing uniquely human capabilities—such as empathy, complex decision-making, and creativity—that machines cannot replicate.
Examples of AI-Complementary Jobs:
• Care Workers and Social Service Professionals:
Despite advances in AI, caregiving—whether in healthcare, childcare, or elder care—requires empathy and emotional intelligence that machines cannot replicate.
• Crisis Managers and Negotiators:
In situations requiring rapid, complex decision-making (e.g., disaster management, diplomatic negotiations), human leadership will remain crucial, supported by AI-driven analytics.
• Environmental Scientists and Sustainability Experts:
As the global focus shifts towards climate action and sustainability, AI-driven environmental monitoring will create demand for professionals who can interpret AI-generated insights and develop sustainable solutions.
4. Industry-Specific Outlook
Healthcare
AI will revolutionize healthcare by enabling faster, more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatment, and AI-assisted surgeries. While some roles may be displaced, the demand for human-centric roles such as doctors, nurses, and therapists will persist, albeit with significant AI augmentation.
Education
Long-term AI integration in education will emphasize lifelong learning and personalized education pathways. Educators will need to evolve into facilitators of learning who guide students in critical thinking, creativity, and emotional development.
Finance
AI-driven financial platforms will dominate areas such as investment management, fraud detection, and credit scoring. However, there will be a growing demand for financial advisors who can provide personalized, human-centered financial guidance.
Manufacturing and Logistics
While automation will displace traditional roles, advanced manufacturing will see growth in roles related to robotics management, AI system oversight, and supply chain optimization.
Agriculture
Precision agriculture, enabled by AI and IoT devices, will demand professionals skilled in data interpretation, sustainable farming practices, and advanced agricultural technologies.
5. The Role of Continuous Learning and Re-skilling
In the longer term, continuous learning will become the cornerstone of employability. With AI-driven change happening at an accelerating pace, workers will need to adapt through lifelong learning and regular reskilling.
Trends in Learning and Development:
• Micro-credentials and Nanodegrees:
Short, targeted educational programs will become common, allowing workers to upskill quickly in emerging technologies.
• AI-Powered Personalized Learning Platforms:
AI-driven learning platforms will offer personalized pathways, enabling individuals to acquire skills in a modular, flexible manner.
• Corporate Reskilling Initiatives:
Companies will play a crucial role in providing reskilling opportunities to their workforce, ensuring that employees can transition into new roles as older ones become obsolete.
6. The Challenge of Economic and Social Inequality
While AI offers the potential for significant job creation and economic growth, it also poses a risk of deepening social and economic inequality. Workers in low-skill roles, particularly in regions with limited access to education and reskilling programs, may face prolonged unemployment and economic hardship.
Strategies to Mitigate Inequality:
• Universal Basic Income (UBI):
UBI is often discussed as a potential solution to mitigate the effects of mass displacement caused by automation.
• Public-Private Partnerships:
Collaboration between governments, educational institutions, and the private sector will be critical in ensuring broad access to reskilling programs.
• Geographical Redistribution of Jobs:
Remote work, enabled by AI-driven collaboration tools, could allow individuals in less-developed regions to access high-skill jobs, reducing geographical inequality.
A Dual-Edged Transformation
The longer-term outlook for AI and jobs presents a dual-edged transformation. On one hand, AI will displace millions of existing roles, fundamentally altering traditional job markets. On the other hand, it will create vast new opportunities, leading to the rise of hybrid roles, AI-centric professions, and jobs that complement machine intelligence.
The key challenge will be ensuring that no one is left behind in this transformation. Governments, businesses, and educational institutions must collaborate to provide robust safety nets, reskilling programs, and lifelong learning opportunities. If handled correctly, AI could lead to unprecedented economic prosperity, innovation, and a more equitable world where humans and machines work together to solve complex global challenges.