The year 2024 has already shown signs that the global labor market is undergoing one of the fastest transformations in its history. Now, the "Future of Work" report from the World Economic Forum brings the chapter Skills Outlook 2025-2030, showing that about 39% of professionals' core skills 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 that will grow most in relevance is analytical thinking, which involves the ability to solve complex problems based on data and structured information, and is already considered essential by seven out of ten companies. In addition, resilience, flexibility, and agility stand out as fundamental attributes, allowing professionals to adapt quickly to new market demands and crises.
According to Beatriz Nóbrega, a human and organizational development specialist consultant with almost 30 years of experience, leadership and social influence are also gaining prominence, especially in a context where technical tasks are increasingly automated, which makes collaboration and positive influence in teams essential. "Technological literacy, which includes everything from digital literacy to the ability to deal with complex AI systems and big data, is another indispensable skill," she points out.
Finally, curiosity and continuous learning become strong points for professionals to follow and anticipate trends, demonstrating initiative in developing new capacities. "The report indicates that the job market is moving towards a model where collaboration between humans and machines will be predominant," he adds.
The Future of Work
The market also faces a growing skills gap. The study indicates that approximately 63% of employers see skill gaps 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 change in mindset from both organizations and individuals. "We live in a time where it's not enough to keep up with trends; we must understand them to navigate successfully in this market, which has been transforming very rapidly. The development of multidisciplinary skills that align technology and soft skills, it will be fundamental for the sustainability of careers and organizations,” she points out. She herself has, in fact, been investing in education benefits to supplement the total compensation at the companies she works for.
The rise of the green economy is also reshaping the job market. Renewable energy engineers, sustainability specialists, and electric and autonomous vehicle professionals are among the fastest-growing roles until 2030. In parallel, the expansion of AI is transforming administrative roles, while manual skills and repetitive tasks tend to decline.
The technology sector continues to lead the demand for specific skills, particularly big data specialists, fintech engineers, application and software developers, and cybersecurity analysts. These transformations also impact traditionally manual sectors, such as agriculture and manufacturing, which are undergoing innovations in automation and sustainability.
"Inclusion is another important pillar in companies' strategies. Almost half of employers plan to explore diversified talent pools, focusing on removing barriers such as traditional degree requirements and adopting skills-based hiring models. This type of action helps address inequalities amplified by technological transformations," concludes the expert.