The Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum (WEF) says that upskilling is a prerequisite to advance careers, business, and organizations and also an important tool to keep being competitive and resilient in the years ahead.
The report is based on a survey of C-suite executives across 1,043 global companies, representing 14 million workers across 22 industry clusters and 55 economies, released January 8.
It shows a labor market that will be shaped by broader access to digital technologies and the emergence of artificial intelligence. It estimates that there will be a net increase of 78 million jobs by 2030, with 170 million roles seen to be created and 92 million to be displaced.
“Trends such as generative AI and rapid technological shifts are upending industries and labor markets, creating both unprecedented opportunities and profound risks,” said Till Leopold, head of work, wages, and job creation at the WEF.
Upskilling will be among the top priorities for employers to prepare for the effects of technological advancements and economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
The report shows that 43 percent of core skills required by companies will change, higher than the global average skill disruption of 39 percent. Skills currently used most include resilience, flexibility, and agility; leadership and social influence; and technological literacy. By 2030, skills projected to be in demand are knowledge of AI and big data, as well as networks and cybersecurity.
In the Philippines, the skills gap is seen as the biggest obstacle to the transformation of businesses and organizations at 67 percent of those surveyed, which is more than the 63 percent worldwide average.
The report also reveals that 68 percent of Filipino workers are expected to need training to meet evolving skill demands, surpassing the global average of 59 percent. However, only 38 percent have completed their training to date, as compared to the 50 percent global average.
Due to the rise of AI, 96 percent of those surveyed in the Philippines plan to reskill and upskill their workforce in anticipation of it; 73 percent would hire new people with AI-related skills; and 68 percent would reorient their business to target new opportunities provided by AI.
Flexible hiring and firing practices, provisioning and funding for the upskilling and reskilling of workers are the top three public policies that can help Filipino companies better cope with changes in the job market and increase talent availability in the next 5 years.
The WEF says that government, businesses, and educational institutions across the globe should prioritize bridging skills gaps and creating opportunities for fast-growing jobs and skills that will be in demand by 2030.
“The time is now for businesses and governments to work together, invest in skills, and build an equitable and resilient global workforce,” the WEF noted.
Taking advantage of these opportunities while at the same time mitigating the risks will be a challenge, but those that can adapt the quickest will be able to emerge ahead of the competition. Hopefully the Philippines can be among those economies whose leaders can successfully adapt to demands of the changing times.*
