A global research led by the World Economic Forum (WEF) emphasized the urgent need for workers to adapt and reskill as generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are set to redefine job roles across various sectors in five years.
The WEF in its Future of Jobs Report 2025 published earlier this week revealed that while the global labor market is set to gain 78 million jobs by 2030, about 92 million positions will be lost due to rapid technological advancements and economic shifts.
“Broadening digital access, climate mitigation, and adaptation efforts are expected to jointly shape labor-market dynamics in the Philippines by 2030, the report said.
“With two-thirds of employers in the country identifying skills gaps as a barrier over the next half decade, businesses are planning to scale up,” it added.
In parallel, the report stated that broadening digital access will be the most transformative trend globally, with 60% of employers expecting significant changes in their businesses by 2030.
Technological advancements in AI and robotics are set to play pivotal roles, with 86% of employers recognizing their transformative potential.
At home, 68% of Filipino workers are expected to require training to meet evolving skill demands, but only 38% of workers are reported to have completed training today.
Employers operating in the Philippines also anticipate that almost three in 10 workers will be upskilled and then redeployed to new roles.
At the same time, rising living costs present a substantial challenge, ranking as the second-most influential factor affecting business operations and potentially displacing 1.6 million jobs globally.
Demographic changes further complicate the landscape. Aging populations in high-income economies will increase demand for healthcare professionals while expanding working-age populations in lower-income regions will fuel growth in education-related roles.
Geopolitical tensions and geoeconomic fragmentation are also expected to transform business models significantly, with one-third of organizations preparing for these changes within five years.