The global economy stands at a crossroads as technological innovation, climate imperatives, and shifting demographics converge to shape the next decade of work. Businesses, governments, and individuals must anticipate these changes and prepare strategically to thrive.
From slowing growth rates to rising inflationary pressures and intensifying geoeconomic fragmentation, macroeconomic forces will directly influence how, when, and where we work. At the same time, breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, automation, and green technologies promise to redefine skills, roles, and opportunities on a scale unseen before.
Forecasts from the IMF and World Bank suggest that global GDP growth of 3.2% in 2025 will likely ease to 3.1% by 2026, while other authoritative projections estimate as low as 2.3% next year. Moderate inflation, projected around 3.5% by the end of 2025, will continue to squeeze household budgets and corporate margins.
Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions and policy uncertainties are driving geoeconomic fragmentation that affects supply chains, investment flows, and labor mobility. Over a third of organizations surveyed anticipate that government subsidies and trade restrictions will require them to rethink their global footprints, potentially reshoring certain operations while offshoring others to mitigate risk.
Three core forces are set to drive profound shifts across industries and regions, reshaping the global labour market:
Between 2025 and 2030, it is estimated that 22% of today’s jobs will be transformed or disrupted by automation and digitalization. Simultaneously, new roles equating to about 14% of current employment—nearly 170 million positions—are expected to emerge, driven by technology and the green economy.
Once displacement of approximately 92 million jobs is factored in, the net effect still yields a positive growth rate of around 7%, equivalent to 78 million new roles. Many of these opportunities lie in data science, machine learning, fintech engineering, and renewable energy. Companies that can pivot to meet these needs will gain competitive advantage in both advanced and emerging markets.
As roles evolve, the demand for new competencies is surging. Organizations and employees must focus on building—and continuously updating—critical capabilities:
Skill shortages remain the biggest obstacle to transformation, with 63% of employers reporting major gaps. Encouragingly, 85% of companies plan to prioritize upskilling, reflecting a broad consensus on the constant need for lifelong learning. Workers proficient in AI can command a 56% wage premium, underscoring the tangible benefits of targeted skill development.
While 53% of the global workforce expresses optimism about the future of their roles, concerns persist, particularly in retail and entry-level positions. To navigate this landscape, employers are adopting multifaceted strategies, from restructuring job designs to offering coaching, mentorship, and financial wellness resources.
Approximately half of surveyed businesses plan to realign their core operations in response to AI, with two-thirds seeking talent skilled in emerging technologies. At the same time, 40% anticipate some level of workforce reduction due to automation. Co-creating development pathways with employees can mitigate anxiety and foster engagement during periods of change.
With the world’s economies becoming increasingly interconnected yet politically fragmented, companies face both risks and openings. Security specialists, network analysts, and supply chain resilience experts are likely to be in high demand as organizations fortify against disruptions.
The green economy offers one of the most promising growth trajectories, with renewable energy engineers, electric and autonomous vehicle specialists, and environmental analysts at the forefront. Businesses and individuals who embrace flexible organizational models will be best positioned to seize these emerging opportunities.
Ultimately, preparing for the future of work demands a holistic approach: aligning macroeconomic insights with local realities, investing in human capital, and fostering cultures of innovation. By integrating strategic foresight into every level of decision-making, stakeholders can embrace continuous skill development and secure sustainable growth in an ever-evolving global economy.
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