A recent survey by the World Economic Forum (WEF) reveals that 41% of employers worldwide plan to reduce their workforce by 2030 as artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly automates tasks across industries.
The survey, part of the WEF’s Future of Jobs Report, highlights significant labor market shifts driven by AI and other technologies. While jobs such as postal service clerks, executive secretaries, and payroll clerks are expected to decline, 77% of companies aim to reskill and upskill their employees to better collaborate with AI systems.
Generative AI, which creates original content such as text and images, is playing a major role in reshaping industries. Saadia Zahidi, managing director of the WEF, noted that AI is transforming knowledge work and driving demand for specialists in technology and AI integration. Nearly 70% of surveyed companies intend to hire workers skilled in AI tool development, while 62% are seeking employees proficient in working alongside AI.
While the report emphasizes the collaborative potential of “human-machine interaction,” it acknowledges the toll on certain professions. Graphic designers and legal secretaries, for instance, are projected to experience significant declines.
The report underscores a dual narrative: while AI augments human capabilities and creates demand for tech-savvy roles, its rise continues to displace workers. Notably, tech companies like Dropbox and Duolingo have already cited AI as a factor in recent layoffs
