News & Insights
How AI Is Reshaping The Global Workforce
The future of work is no longer theoretical. Automation, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms are reshaping how work is done across industries, while broader structural shifts (from geoeconomic fragmentation to the green transition) continue to redefine the global economy.
These forces are not moving in isolation. Together, they are driving one of the most significant transformations of the workforce in decades.
By 2030, around 170 million new jobs could be created globally, while approximately 92 million existing roles may be displaced. The result is a net gain - but one that suggests a more complex reality. Job creation and job displacement are not occurring evenly, and the pathways between them remain uncertain.
At the same time, the capabilities required to participate in this evolving workforce are shifting rapidly. Demand for AI literacy skills has increased by 70% between 2024 and 2025, according to LinkedIn. What was once considered a specialized technical skill is quickly becoming a baseline expectation across roles and industries.
[Source: World Economic Forum]
This acceleration is also noticeable at the organizational level. The Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum suggests that AI and information processing technologies will affect 86% of businesses by 2030 - signalling widespread adoption across sectors, from finance and healthcare to manufacturing and public services.
[Source: World Economic Forum]
Adoption Without Barriers
A defining feature of this transformation is the accessibility of AI.
Unlike previous waves of technological change, firms do not necessarily need significant upfront investment to begin using AI tools. The barrier to entry is relatively low, enabling broad adoption - including among smaller firms.
This raises a key question: does increased AI adoption lead to workforce reduction?
Current data suggests a more nuanced outcome. Research from the European Central Bank indicates that companies making significant use of AI are slightly more likely to expand their workforce. On average, AI-intensive firms are around 4% more likely to hire, suggesting that AI is often used to augment productivity rather than replace labour.
[Source: European Central Bank]
A Changing Entry Point to Work
While overall employment figures point to net job creation, the distribution of opportunity is becoming more uneven, particularly for younger workers.
AI is reshaping not only how work is performed, but also how individuals enter and progress within the workforce. Early career roles have traditionally provided structured pathways for skill development. However, many of these “stepping-stone” jobs are among the most exposed to automation.
According to UNICEF, this creates a dual dynamic. AI can unlock opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and career progression, but it may also erode early-stage roles, making it harder for young professionals to gain foundational experience.
[Source: Unicef]
An Expanding Workforce With Uneven Outcomes
The global workforce is expanding. New roles are emerging, industries are evolving, and technological capabilities are advancing at pace. Yet, the distribution of opportunity remains uneven.
AI is not simply replacing jobs, or universally creating them. It is reshaping the structure of work - influencing who has access to opportunity, which skills are valued, and how careers are built over time.
As businesses and institutions navigate this transition, the focus is shifting from whether change will occur to how it is managed. The challenge is ensuring that workforce transformation is not only efficient, but also inclusive and sustainable. Because while the future of work may be growing in scale, access to it is becoming increasingly complex.