The Future of Work
What the 2025 Jobs Report Reveals About Tomorrow's Workforce
The workplace is undergoing substantial change. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, which draws on insights from over 1,000 global employers across 22 industries, we are entering a new phase of workforce transformation. For Irish businesses and employees, these shifts bring both challenges and significant opportunities.
The Scale of Change: A Workforce in Transition
To put it in context: if Ireland’s entire workforce were reduced to just 100 people, by 2030, 67 of them would need further training to stay relevant in their roles. Of these, 31 could upskill within their current roles, 25 could be retrained and moved into different areas within their organisations, while 11 may face the risk of job loss without adequate reskilling.
This trend reflects broader global patterns, with 22% of today’s roles likely to change. While new jobs equal to 14% of current employment are expected to be created, around 8% of existing roles are likely to be displaced.
The Technology Shift: AI as a Key Driver
Artificial intelligence is already playing a central role in shaping how we work. The report finds that 86% of businesses surveyed expect AI to be a key driver of workplace change making it the most significant factor in current transformation.
Importantly, this isn’t about widespread job replacement. Instead, it reflects a shift towards collaboration between people and machines. AI is enhancing human capability in areas like decision-making, problem-solving, and creativity. Nearly 40% of current skill sets will need updating by 2030, but the focus remains on adapting rather than replacing.
The fastest growing roles mirror this trend; big data specialists, fintech engineers, AI and machine learning experts, and software developers are all in high demand. However, strong human skills such as analytical thinking, resilience, and creative problem solving are just as vital.
Skills That Matter: The New Currency of Work
One clear message from the report is that ongoing learning is now essential. With a 39% ‘skill instability’ rate, two in five workers will need to make substantial changes to their skill sets by 2030.
The most in-demand capabilities reflect a balance between digital fluency and human strengths. Key skills include:
Analytical thinking (highlighted by 70% of organisations as essential)
Resilience, flexibility, and agility
Leadership and social influence
AI and big data literacy
Cybersecurity awareness
Technology literacy
Interestingly, Irish businesses rated most of these skills as more important than the global average. Yet only one in three Irish CEOs currently plans to incorporate AI into their workforce strategies, highlighting a clear gap between awareness and action.
Green Jobs: The Impact of Sustainability
Climate goals are creating a new category of employment opportunities. Nearly half of employers surveyed expect significant change due to environmental initiatives. Roles like renewable energy engineers, environmental specialists, and electric vehicle experts are among the fastest-growing.
The shift extends across multiple sectors. Manufacturing is embracing circular practices such as recycling and resource management, while the property sector is incorporating smart technology and sustainable standards. This is driving demand for professionals skilled in energy-efficient design and planning.
Industry Focus: Where the Change Is Most Visible
Sectors such as Manufacturing and Energy are seeing the most rapid transformation. Robotics and energy storage are reshaping operations and creating new demand for automation experts and renewable energy professionals.
In Healthcare, growing demand, especially due to ageing populations, is driving the need for more nursing professionals and personal care aides.
In Telecoms, expanding digital infrastructure is opening up new roles for network optimisation and IoT (Internet of Things) specialists.
The Irish Perspective: Challenges and Opportunities
Ireland has its own set of challenges during this transition. Skills shortages are the most commonly cited barrier to change. 75% of Irish respondents highlighted this, compared to a global average of 63%. In addition, 91% of Irish CEOs expressed concern about the availability of suitable skills.
However, this also highlights a key opportunity. Organisations that focus now on workforce planning and skills development are likely to be better placed for future success. Globally, 85% of employers intend to implement upskilling initiatives, with 70% planning to recruit for emerging roles.
Taking Action: A Strategic Path to 2030
The report outlines three core steps that can help organisations prepare effectively:
1. Strategic Workforce Planning
Map current skills against future requirements and build clear pathways for transition.
2. Investment in Key Skills
Focus on areas such as analytical thinking, digital literacy, and adaptability, while also building leadership and creative capability.
3. Workforce Agility
Create a culture of continuous learning. With 85% of Irish workers saying that learning opportunities influence their job choices, this can have a significant impact on both retention and performance.
The Future of Jobs Report 2025 delivers a clear message. Change is not a possibility, it’s a certainty. For Irish businesses, the question is whether to lead through this transition or risk falling behind. Those that invest in their people, plan strategically, and embrace adaptability will be in the strongest position to succeed.
We work closely with Irish businesses to navigate change, assess workforce needs, and plan for long-term success. To explore how we can support your business get in touch.