41% of firms to plan workforce cuts by 2030 because of AI

Most major global companies plan to leverage AI for workforce changes by 2030, with 41% expecting to reduce staff while 77% aim to retrain existing employees, according to a new World Economic Forum survey.

Key findings: The World Economic Forum’s latest Future of Jobs Report reveals a significant shift in how companies plan to integrate AI into their workforce strategies.

• The survey encompassed hundreds of large companies worldwide, with a focus on workforce planning between 2025-2030
• Unlike previous reports, this year’s study no longer predicts AI will be a net positive for job numbers
• Close to 70% of companies plan to hire workers skilled in AI tool design and development
• 62% of firms intend to recruit employees who can effectively work alongside AI systems

Impact on specific roles: Generative AI’s capabilities are reshaping job market demands across various sectors, particularly affecting administrative and creative positions.

• Postal service clerks, executive secretaries, and payroll clerks are among the roles facing the fastest decline
• Graphic designers and legal secretaries appear in the top declining jobs list for the first time
• The trend indicates AI’s growing ability to handle knowledge-based work traditionally performed by humans

Industry adaptation: Companies are actively preparing for an AI-augmented workplace while maintaining a focus on human-centered skills.

• The primary impact of AI may be in enhancing human capabilities rather than completely replacing workers
• The emphasis remains on human-machine collaboration rather than wholesale automation
• Some tech companies, including Dropbox and Duolingo, have already cited AI as a reason for reducing their workforce

Looking ahead: While companies are optimistic about AI’s potential to augment human capabilities, the shifting landscape suggests a complex transition period ahead where job displacement and creation will occur simultaneously, requiring careful management of workforce evolution and skill development.