Skills are shifting as jobs evolve. While new requirements are emerging, others are gradually disappearing. The impact of AI on the workplace remains a hotly debated topic, but clear trends are beginning to take shape. As this technology automates more processes, demand for certain roles \u2014 especially at the entry level \u2014 is already declining. But as a worker, how can you protect yourself?<\/p>\n
The World Economic Forum\u2019s (WEF) \u2018Future of Jobs Report 2025\u2019 shows which skills employers say they need most in their workforces. The report draws on input from more than 1,000 major global employers, together representing over 14 million workers across 22 industries and 55 economies worldwide.<\/p>\n
Analytical thinking, resilience, flexibility, and leadership<\/p>\n
\u2018Analytical thinking\u2019 is the most in-demand skill, according to the WEF, and about 69% of employers say it is a core requirement for their workforce. \u2018Resilience, flexibility, and agility\u2019 ranks second, with two-thirds of employers (67%) calling these skills essential. <\/p>\n
As skills continue to evolve, \u2018leadership and social influence\u2019 remains important. About 61% of employers say it is a core skill they need in their workforce.<\/p>\n
Alongside the top-ranked \u2018analytical thinking\u2019, \u2018creative thinking\u2019 is also seen as a key skill, cited by 57% of employers.<\/p>\n
\u2018Motivation and self-awareness\u2019, \u2018technological literacy\u2019, \u2018empathy and active listening\u2019, and \u2018curiosity and lifelong learning’ are also skills that at least half of employers consider to be essential for their workforce.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, less than half of employers said that \u2018AI and big data\u2019 is a core skill for them.<\/p>\n
\u2018Multi-lingualism\u2019 and \u2018global citizenship\u2019 are also in lower demand among employers.<\/p>\n
The least cited skill is \u2018sensory-processing abilities\u2019, named by only 6% as a core skill for their workforce.<\/p>\n
Employers say \u2018AI and big data\u2019 will see the biggest rise<\/p>\n
Employers were also asked whether each skill would increase, decline, or stay the same by 2030. The results are shown as a net increase, meaning the share expecting a rise minus the share expecting a drop.<\/p>\n
Employer demand for technological abilities is set to grow faster than any other category over the next five years. Most respondents pointed to \u2018AI and big data\u2019, which is expected to rise by 87%. \u2018Networks and cybersecurity\u2019 (70%) and \u2018technological literacy\u2019 (68%) follow \u2018AI and big data\u2019.<\/p>\n
Complementing these technological skills, \u2018creative thinking\u2019 and two socio-emotional attitudes \u2013 \u2018resilience, flexibility, and agility\u2019 and ‘curiosity and lifelong learning’ \u2013 are also expected to rise in importance.<\/p>\n
\u2018Leadership and social influence\u2019 and \u2018talent management\u2019 are also forecast to stay in-demand.<\/p>\n
Employers expect only two skills to decline in importance: \u2018manual dexterity, endurance and precision\u2019 and \u2018reading, writing and mathematics’.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe COVID-19 pandemic, along with rapid advancements in frontier technologies, led to significant disruptions in working life and skills, prompting respondents to predict high levels of skills instability in subsequent editions of the report,\u201d the report said. <\/p>\n
The report also noted that the level of skills disruption is not the same across economies and industries. Lower-middle and upper-middle income economies expect greater changes in workers\u2019 skills, while high-income economies anticipate less disruption.<\/p>\n
For example, among the 55 economies in the report, 10 of the 12 expecting the least disruption to skills between 2025 and 2030 are in Europe. These include Denmark, the Netherlands, the UK, France, and Germany.<\/p>\n