The last ten years have been characterized by profound changes in the world of work. Technology, globalization, social upheaval and the green transformation have not only redefined professional fields, but also the skills that are crucial for success in the workplace.
But how have these developments affected the labor market in concrete terms? Which skills were in demand in the past and which are in demand today? And how can we prepare for the future?
The Future of Jobs Report published by the World Economic Forum in January 2025 takes a look at developments over the last ten years, analyzes current trends and offers practical recommendations for companies, employees and educational institutions.
A look back: How the labor market has changed since 2015
Technological revolution
Since 2015, digitalization has transformed almost every aspect of the world of work. Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) have revolutionized production processes, digital platforms have created new professional fields and remote working has become the norm, at the latest with the 2020 pandemic.
Traditional professions such as accountant or data entry clerk lost importance, while professions in the fields of data science, AI and software development flourished.
Global events as drivers
Global events have greatly accelerated the transformation of the world of work in recent years. From the pandemic to geopolitical tensions, these developments are not only challenges but also drivers of innovation and change.
- The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the acceptance of working from home and hybrid working models.
- Geopolitical tensions and supply chain problems led to a rethink in global cooperation.
- Climate change has created a new urgency for sustainable transformations.
New perspectives on work
The traditional idea of the workplace has changed. Agility, collaborative models and cooperation between man and machine are shaping the world of work today. Work is less location-bound, but more technology-intensive and flexible. Not everyone likes this, but it is the new reality.
How AI and technology are changing the skills landscape: What remains human?
High substitution potential through AI
- Skills such as artificial intelligence and big data, reading, writing and mathematics as well as marketing and media have the highest substitutability with generative AI.
- These areas benefit greatly from the ability of AI to process large amounts of data and perform structured tasks.
Medium to low potential in social and creative areas
- Skills such as leadership and social influence, creative thinking and emotional intelligence have significantly lower substitution rates.
- These skills remain strongly human in nature, as they require complex interpersonal interactions and empathy.
Skills with very low substitutability
- Manual dexterity, precision and sensory skills as well as empathy and active listening are the skills least replaceable by AI.
- These areas depend heavily on human fine motor skills and social connections.
Development of the skills in demand: What was and what is important today?
10 years ago (2015)
This is how the skill world was imagined in January 2016:
- Top skills: The WEF analyses from 2016 suggest that the importance of soft skills, creative abilities and emotional intelligence will increase by 2020, while traditional skills will be eclipsed by technological developments.
- Labor market perspective: The focus was on clearly defined career paths and long-term employment.
Today (2025)
The current WEF report takes a much more differentiated view of the skills world in 2030:
- New top skills:
- Analytical thinking: Essential for data-driven decisions.
- Technological skills: AI, big data, network security and digital literacy.
- Meta-competencies: resilience, flexibility, creative thinking and lifelong learning.
- Green skills: Sustainability, environmental technology and climate protection are indispensable in many industries.
- Changes: Many administrative and manual skills have become less important. In return, employees are expected to be more adaptable.
Key drivers of change
The dynamics of the labor market are being shaped by several major changes. From digitalization to climate change to demographic shifts, these drivers are shaping how we work, learn and adapt. Below is an overview of the key influences shaping the future of work.
1. technological developments:
- AI and automation: machines take over repetitive tasks, giving rise to new professions such as AI specialist.
- Augmentation: The trend is towards collaboration between man and machine, which requires both technological and social skills.
2. ecological transformation:
- Green jobs: The demand for specialists in renewable energies, environmental technology and the circular economy is growing rapidly.
- Sustainability: Companies need to train their employees in the use of new technologies to reduce emissions.
3. demographic shifts:
- Ageing societies: The need for carers and social workers is increasing, particularly in high-income countries.
- Young workers: In emerging countries, millions of young people need access to education and further qualifications.
4. geopolitical and economic uncertainties:
- Resilience, flexibility and agility are becoming essential to deal with uncertainties such as trade conflicts or inflationary pressure.
Comparison of perspectives: Change in the last 10 years
| View of … | 2015 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| en Technologie | Skepticism about automation; concerns about job losses. | Technology is seen as a way of increasing productivity and supplementing human skills. |
| Further training | Further training as an individual responsibility. | Companies, politicians and educational institutions are working together to close skills gaps. |
| Professions | Linear career paths were the standard. | The focus is on flexibility, cross-skilling and agile careers. |
Recommendations for action: How we can prepare for the future
The changes in the labor market require not only adaptation, but also targeted strategies to take advantage of the opportunities presented by change. Here are some specific recommendations that can help companies, employees and politicians to actively shape the future:
For companies
- Investments in reskilling and upskilling initiatives.
- Building an agile and innovative corporate culture.
- Integration of technologies that complement human capabilities.
For employees
- Active further training in meta-competencies and technological skills.
- Openness to new career paths and technologies.
- Focus on lifelong learning and adaptability.
For politics and education systems
- Financial support for continuing education programs.
- Integration of green skills and technological literacy in education systems.
- Cooperation with companies to close qualification gaps.
Outlook for upskilling and reskilling in the period 2025-2030
The way we understand continuing education has changed massively in recent years. A look at the data reveals exciting developments:
Almost half of the workforce (41%) will not require any additional training by 2030. Their current skills are sufficient or their area will be spared any major changes.
Around a third (29%) receive targeted further training in their current roles in order to meet the increasing requirements.
19 % of employees have to be retrained and deployed in new roles as a result of technological or market-related changes.
Unfortunately, 11% of the workforce will lack the necessary training, which puts them in a difficult position.
Conclusion: The future can be shaped
The world of work has changed fundamentally over the last ten years and will continue to do so. However, this change offers immense opportunities – for companies, employees and society as a whole.
It is crucial that we are prepared to adapt, learn and shape the challenges of the future together. Because the skills we develop today are the key to a successful and sustainable working world tomorrow.
Disclaimer: This blog post was created in exchange with ChatGPT. But it was also thought and read by myself!