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

41% of companies worldwide plan to reduce workforces by 2030 due to AI

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