The year 2024 has already shown that the global labor market is undergoing one of the most rapid transformations in its history. Now, the report "The Future of Work" by the World Economic Forum presents the chapterSkills Outlook 2025-2030, showing that about 39% of professionals' essential 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 changes.
Among the skills that will grow most in relevance are analytical thinking, which involves the ability to solve complex problems based on structured data and information, and is already considered essential by seven out of ten companies. Furthermore, resilience, flexibility, and agility stand out as fundamental attributes, allowing professionals to quickly adapt to new market demands and crises.
According toBeatriz Nobrega, a counselor specializing in Human and Organizational Development with nearly 30 years of experience, leadership and social influence also stand out, especially in a context where technical tasks are increasingly automated, making collaboration and positive influence within teams essential. "Technological literacy, which includes everything from digital literacy to the competence to handle complex AI and big data systems, is another essential skill," he points out.
Finally, curiosity and continuous learning become strengths for professionals to keep up with and anticipate trends, demonstrating initiative in developing new skills. "The report indicates that the labor market is moving towards a model where collaboration between humans and machines will be predominant," he/she/they adds.
The Future of Work
The market also faces the widening of the 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 requires a change in mindset both on the part of organizations and individuals. We are living in a time when it is not enough to follow trends, but rather to understand them in order to navigate successfully in this market that has been transforming quite rapidly. The development of multidisciplinary skills that align technology andsoft skills, will be fundamental for the sustainability of careers and organizations," he/she/it emphasizes. She herself has been investing in benefit-education to supplement the total compensation in the companies she works for.
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 until 2030. Meanwhile, the expansion of AI is reshaping administrative functions, while manual skills and repetitive tasks tend to decline.
The technology sector continues to lead the demand for specific skills, highlighting specialists in big data, fintech engineers, application and software developers, and cybersecurity analysts. These transformations also impact traditionally manual sectors, such as agriculture and manufacturing, which are being transformed by innovations in automation and sustainability.
“Inclusion is another important pillar in companies’ strategies. Almost half of employers plan to explore diverse talent sources, focusing on removing barriers such as traditional degree requirements and adopting skills-based hiring models. This type of action helps to address the inequalities amplified by technological transformations,” concludes the expert.
