As we approach the end of 2025, many employers are considering what job moves they are making next year. We know this year was the year of lay-offs and hiring freezes. And AI, in many cases, was getting the blame. So in today’s episode, I’m asking, what does the future of work (as in right now) look like?
Report Findings
Let’s begin with the headline figures, because they’re striking.
By 2030, less than five years from now, the report predicts 170 million new jobs will be created globally. At the same time, about 92 million jobs will be displaced. So yes, there will be disruption, but if you do the maths, that’s a net gain of 78 million jobs.
Let me repeat that: a net gain of 78 million jobs.
But does that mean everything stays as it is? Absolutely not. Around 40% of jobs worldwide are at risk of major change due to AI-driven automation, especially in advanced economies. These jobs aren’t necessarily disappearing, but they are transforming into something new.
And that distinction is crucial.
Here’s the part that feels both fascinating and urgent:
By 2030, 39% of the core skills we use in our jobs today will be outdated. Nearly four in ten of the skills you rely on right now may no longer be relevant.
So what skills are rising in their place? What do employers want?
- Analytical thinking
- AI literacy
- Big data skills
- And just as importantly: resilience, flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn
These are what the report calls “fusion skills”, blending technical capability with uniquely human strengths like critical thinking and creativity.
Another number worth paying attention to: 77% of employers say reskilling and upskilling are now top priorities, not optional extras.
So what does this all mean for you?
It means the jobs AI creates will not look like the ones it replaces. Think roles like AI specialists, big data analysts and sustainability experts, jobs that barely existed ten years ago.
And it’s not just about new roles. Existing jobs are transforming too.
- In healthcare, AI is improving diagnostics and patient care.
- In finance, it is streamlining processes that once took weeks.
- In education and communications, it is enhancing personalisation and delivery.
The key message in the report is human and AI collaboration, not humans versus AI.
The people who thrive will not be those who resist AI. They will be the ones who learn to work with it, using it to amplify their strengths.
Now, it is important to acknowledge the risks. The report warns of a real possibility of widening income inequality. Workers who adapt and use AI may see their earnings grow. Those who do not may face stagnation or displacement.
That is not fearmongering; it is a reality we need to be ready for.
And readiness requires action:
Companies are investing in training. Governments prioritising workforce development. And individuals taking responsibility for their own continuous learning.
Lifelong learning is no longer a buzzword. It is a necessity.
Here is what I want to leave you with.
Twenty-five years ago, I did not think I would ever need to type. I was wrong, and I am glad. Learning to adapt opened doors I never imagined.
AI is not here to replace you. It is here to transform your work if you are willing to evolve with it.
The real question is not whether AI will change your job. It is whether you will be ready when it does.
Start small. Get curious. Learn one new tool. Try one course. Have one conversation about how AI could help you work smarter.
Because the future of work is not something that just happens.
It is something you build, one skill at a time.
About the Podcast Host
Joanne Sweeney is a specialist in public-sector marketing and digital communications. She’s the author of Public Sector Marketing Pro and the creator of the Professional Diploma in AI for Public Sector Marketing. With years of experience in training, consulting, and advocating for digital transformation, Joanne provides insight and guidance for government agencies navigating the digital landscape. She is also the host of the award-winning Public Sector Marketing Show podcast.
