In an increasingly disturbed world marked by human-led climate dysfunction, government dysfunction and corruption, imperial political and economic aspirations, blatant genocide, demonisation of immigration, increasing societal disparities in income and wealth, and inordinate political and economic influence of billionaires, it is heartening to see some good news on the jobs front in the world of work.

The Future of Jobs Report 2025 produced by the World Economic Forum sheds some light on workforce development changes over the next five years. These include:

• A net increase of 78 million jobs globally (170 million new job roles created and 92 million displaced)
• 22% of jobs disrupted/undergoing structural change.

The main drivers of such change are:

• Technological developments (AI and automation)
• The green transition (creation of 34 million new jobs)
• Geoeconomic fragmentation
• Economic uncertainty
• Demographic shifts.

The fastest growing job areas are:

• Big data analysts, AI and machine learning specialists, environmental engineers, and frontline roles in education, care and health
• Contradictory Impact of AI: AI-induced job loss – 41% employers predict job loss/obsolescence.AI-job increase – 70% employers plan to recruit workers with new AI=specific skills.

The Skills Gap:

• 63% employers view the skills gap as main challenge to business development/corporate transformation
• 85% of employers intend to provide upskilling to their workforce
• 77% plan to provide dedicate AI training
• Human-centric skills like leadership and continuous learning remain vital as do flexibility, agility, and resilience.

Small to Medium Enterprises (SME)

-represent 90% of all businesses globally and 70% of all jobs and GDP globally. They have particular challenges in the AI transition

• Recruitment of highly sought-after AI, big data, and cybersecurity specialists, being in competition with larger corporations
• Reskilling budgets: frequently lack the capital, time, and structured training programs required to rapidly upgrade their existing workforce.

However, SMEs can reposition themselves more quickly than vis a vis business opportunities, especially localised green opportunities, than larger companies

-by faster integration of generative AI skills and tools for more employee productivity

-by talent retention (community connection, workplace belonging).