41% of Companies Worldwide Plan Workforce Reductions by 2030 Due to AI

A recent World Economic Forum survey reveals that 41% of employers globally plan to downsize their workforces by 2030 as artificial intelligence (AI) automates various tasks, CNN reported yesterday. The survey, which included hundreds of large companies, also found that 77% intend to reskill and upskill current employees between 2025 and 2030 to facilitate collaboration with AI.

The Future of Jobs Report highlights that advances in AI and renewable energy are reshaping the labor market, increasing demand for technology and specialist roles while diminishing others, such as graphic designers. Jobs like postal service clerks, executive secretaries, and payroll clerks are expected to see the fastest declines.

Saadia Zahidi, managing director of the WEF, noted the significant impact of generative AI across industries, capable of producing original content in response to user prompts.

While many workers have already been displaced by AI, with companies like Dropbox and Duolingo citing AI as a reason for layoffs, the report suggests a potential for “human-machine collaboration” that could augment human skills rather than replace them entirely. Nearly 70% of companies are seeking to hire individuals skilled in designing AI tools, indicating a shift in workforce demands.