The year 2024 has already shown signs that the global labor market is undergoing one of the fastest transformations in its history. Now, the World Economic Forum’s “The Future of Jobs” report introduces the chapter Skills Outlook 2025-2030, revealing that about 39% of essential skills for professionals will undergo significant changes by the end of the decade. This dynamic is primarily driven by the adoption of new technologies, the transition to a greener economy, and global demographic shifts.
Among the skills gaining the most relevance are analytical thinking, which involves the ability to solve complex problems based on structured data and information, already considered essential by seven out of ten companies. Additionally, resilience, flexibility, and agility stand out as fundamental attributes, enabling professionals to quickly adapt to new market demands and crises.
According to Beatriz Nóbrega, a specialist advisor in Human and Organizational Development with nearly 30 years of experience, leadership and social influence are also gaining prominence, especially in a context where technical tasks are increasingly automated, making collaboration and positive influence within teams essential. “Technological literacy, which ranges from digital literacy to the ability to handle complex AI and big data systems, is another indispensable skill,” she notes.
Finally, curiosity and continuous learning become strengths for professionals to keep up with and anticipate trends, demonstrating initiative in developing new capabilities. “The report indicates that the labor market is moving toward a model where collaboration between humans and machines will be predominant,” she adds.
The Future of Jobs
The market also faces a widening skills gap. The study indicates that approximately 63% of employers see skill shortages as the main barrier to organizational transformation. Consequently, 85% of companies are prioritizing reskilling and upskilling their employees as key strategies to maintain competitiveness.
For Beatriz, the moment demands a shift in mindset from both organizations and individuals. “We live in a time where it’s not enough to follow trends but to understand them to successfully navigate this rapidly transforming market. The development of multidisciplinary skills that align technology and soft skillswill be crucial for the sustainability of careers and organizations,” she emphasizes. In fact, she herself has invested in education benefits to complement total compensation in the companies she works with.
The rise of the green economy is also reshaping the labor market. Renewable energy engineers, sustainability specialists, and professionals in electric and autonomous vehicles are among the fastest-growing roles by 2030. Meanwhile, the expansion of AI is reshaping administrative roles, while manual skills and repetitive tasks tend to decline.
The technology sector continues to lead the demand for specific skills, with highlights including big data specialists, fintech engineers, application and software developers, and cybersecurity analysts. These transformations also impact traditionally manual sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, which are being reshaped by innovations in automation and sustainability.
“Inclusion is another important pillar in corporate strategies. Nearly half of employers plan to explore diverse talent sources, focusing on removing barriers like traditional degree requirements and adopting skills-based hiring models. Such actions help address inequalities widened by technological transformations,” concludes the expert.
