Shaping how we interact with information
The job market is evolving quickly, and the latest World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report sheds light on the key trends that will impact industries and workers alike.
From the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, to the growing demand for green technologies, the report offers valuable insights into which careers are set to grow, and the ones that may face significant decline. Click through to explore the fastest growing and declining jobs, and what these changes mean for the future of work as we know it.
With the rapid growth of the digital and tech sectors, the report predicts that administrative and operational roles will be hit hardest. It also highlights that robots and automation are expected to displace five million more jobs than they create.
Automated messages and AI-powered support assistants are growing in popularity, not just in sales but also in customer service and complaint departments. However, many customers find it frustrating to interact with machines instead of human representatives.
As legal technology evolves, tasks traditionally handled by legal secretaries, like document management and research, are increasingly being performed by software, reducing the need for human involvement in these roles.
Tasks such as document review, case research, and administrative duties, which were once handled by legal officials, are now being streamlined by technology.
Similarly, many tasks traditionally performed by these professionals, such as assessing damage, processing claims, and conducting investigations, are now automated with sophisticated software and data analytics tools.
AI-powered design tools can now generate graphics, layouts, and visual content with little human involvement. While debates continue over the ethical concerns, artistic integrity, and potential risks—such as biases or offensive content—created by machine-generated designs, the job market for these professionals is expected to suffer as a result.
As more consumers turn to e-commerce for convenience, the need for in-person sales has sharply decreased. Additionally, automated online platforms and targeted digital ads are replacing traditional door-to-door sales tactics.
With advancements in autonomous vehicles and trains, the demand for human attendants and conductors is rapidly diminishing. A 2023 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 9% decline in jobs for transit and railroad conductors by 2031.
Automation and advanced inventory management systems like RFID (radio frequency identification), which allows businesses to track inventory in real time with minimal human intervention, are reducing the need for manual data entry and stock management.
Advanced software and AI systems are now outperforming humans in tasks like data entry and tax calculations. These technologies offer greater speed, accuracy, and efficiency, reducing the need for human clerical staff.
Consumers and businesses increasingly rely on digital formats, while advancements in digital printing technology have automated many production processes, minimizing the need for manual labor.
Virtual assistants, scheduling software, and document management systems are now automating many administrative tasks, from scheduling meetings to managing files, reducing the need for human administrative assistants across many workplaces.
The rise of self-checkout kiosks and online ticketing platforms is rapidly eliminating jobs for cashiers and ticket clerks. Automated systems are quickly replacing human workers in retail stores and transportation hubs.
Software tools and machine learning algorithms can now quickly and accurately process large volumes of data, reducing the need for manual entry.
As more customers opt for online banking, mobile apps, and self-service kiosks for routine transactions, the demand for in-person services at bank branches has decreased. Additionally, many banks are incorporating AI and automation to handle tasks such as account management and money transfers.
The decline of traditional mail due to email and online services is significantly impacting jobs for postal workers. Automation, from sorting to delivery, is reducing the need for human labor in the postal industry.
Unsurprisingly, the fastest growing jobs are heavily concentrated in the tech sector, mirroring the anticipated impact of new technologies on the job market. A staggering 86% of survey respondents expect AI and information processing to revolutionize their businesses by 2030. Another key area of growth identified in the survey is the environmental sector.
The global shift towards sustainable energy sources, driven by government and corporate investments in solar, wind, and other renewable technologies to combat climate change, has created a surge in demand for skilled engineers in this sector.
DevOps engineers help streamline processes, improve collaboration, and speed up the delivery of high-quality software, making them essential in today’s tech-driven landscape.
As businesses increasingly rely on digital operations and store sensitive data online, the demand for cybersecurity experts has skyrocketed. The constant threat of ransomware attacks, data breaches, and privacy violations has created a growing market for these professionals.
As the urgency to combat climate change, reduce waste, and address pollution grows, engineers specializing in renewable energy, water treatment, and sustainable infrastructure are expected to be in high demand.
From health care to finance, companies are increasingly relying on data-driven decision-making, creating a surge in job opportunities for professionals who can extract meaningful insights from complex information.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected through smart devices, the demand for Internet of Things (IoT) specialists is rapidly growing. The expansion of smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and wearable technology further accelerates the need for skilled professionals in this field.
With e-commerce booming, consumers now expect fast and efficient delivery. The rise of same-day and next-day shipping options has further fueled this demand. As a result, the need for local delivery drivers is projected to increase significantly.
As businesses increasingly prioritize user-friendly digital experiences, many companies are investing heavily in professionals who can create intuitive, accessible, and engaging interfaces.
With advancements in self-driving technology and the global shift toward sustainable electric vehicles, there is an increasing demand for experts who can design, develop, and maintain these innovative systems.
Data warehousing specialists are in high demand as businesses grapple with the increasing volume and complexity of their data. These professionals are crucial for designing and implementing robust data storage systems that enable efficient retrieval and analysis.
Security management specialists are expected to see substantial job growth as organizations face an increasing number of security threats, both physical and digital. These specialists are critical in protecting assets, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with security protocols.
In a world where nearly every industry depends on software and apps (whether for internal operations or to serve customers), the demand for professionals who can build, maintain, and improve these systems is steadily increasing.
AI and machine learning have rapidly evolved from emerging technologies to essential tools across industries, driving a surge in demand for specialists. These professionals are key to developing algorithms, training models, and implementing AI solutions.
Payments and accounts are increasingly shifting from traditional banking systems to virtual apps and software, while money itself is transforming with the rise of digital currencies like Bitcoin. This trend creates a demand for professionals who can develop innovative technologies in digital payments, blockchain, and online banking solutions.
These professionals play a critical role in extracting valuable insights from complex datasets, driving informed business decisions. Recognizing this critical need, the World Economic Forum has identified big data analysis and management as the fastest growing job sector.
Sources: (World Economic Forum)
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LIFESTYLE Work
The job market is evolving quickly, and the latest World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report sheds light on the key trends that will impact industries and workers alike.
From the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, to the growing demand for green technologies, the report offers valuable insights into which careers are set to grow, and the ones that may face significant decline. Click through to explore the fastest growing and declining jobs, and what these changes mean for the future of work as we know it.