A new World Economic Forum (WEF) report reveals a significant concern: nearly half of global employers anticipate workforce reductions within the next five years due to AI advancements. The "Future of Jobs Report 2025," based on a survey of 1,043 companies, suggests that AI's increasing capabilities are a key driver of this trend.
Forty-one percent of surveyed employers anticipate needing to cut jobs as AI potentially replicates existing roles. This figure underscores a crucial shift in the job market, as generative AI (GenAI) technologies are rapidly reshaping industries.
"The workplace is transforming at a rapid pace," noted WEF Managing Director Saadia Zahidi. She added that these technological breakthroughs coincide with broader economic, geopolitical, environmental, and societal challenges.
Despite the potential for job displacement, a significant majority of employers (77%) plan to upskill and reskill their current workforce to adapt to the evolving needs of an AI-integrated world.
The widespread adoption of AI tools, exemplified by products like ChatGPT, has fundamentally altered perceptions of its workplace applications. This recent survey echoes similar findings from other recent studies, which suggests that public concern over AI-driven job losses is substantial.
This report underscores a critical need for proactive measures to support workforce transitions and ensure a smooth integration of AI into the global economy.
