According to a new study released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), companies exhibit an interesting paradoxical mindset when facing the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the job market. While many companies believe that AI could replace some job positions, most are more willing to invest resources in retraining employees rather than resorting to layoffs.
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In the study titled "Future of Jobs Report 2025," the survey covered 1,000 companies globally. The results showed that about 41% of companies plan to cut jobs that can be performed by AI. However, a larger proportion of companies, 77%, are focusing on training existing employees to adapt to the use of AI systems. This figure is striking as it demonstrates the importance companies place on enhancing employee skills.
From an economic perspective, the emphasis on training does not vary significantly across countries with different income levels. In high-income countries, 87% of companies prioritize training, while the proportions for upper-middle-income and lower-middle-income countries are also similar, at 84% and 82%, respectively. Furthermore, although process automation remains an important component of corporate transformation strategies, its popularity has declined; currently, 73% of companies opt for automation, down from 80% in 2023. Particularly in high-income countries, 77% of companies plan to advance automation, while in lower-middle-income countries, the figure is only 57%.
Looking ahead, WEF predicts that by 2030, new technologies and market changes will create approximately 170 million new jobs, despite an anticipated loss of 92 million existing jobs, resulting in a net increase of 78 million employment opportunities. To respond to this change, 70% of companies plan to hire employees with future skills, and 51% plan to transfer employees from shrinking departments to growing ones. Meanwhile, WEF estimates that by 2030, 59% of the global workforce will require additional training to meet the evolving job demands.
It is noteworthy that the study also mentions the clear limitations of AI automation. There are still many tasks that require human involvement, such as those requiring physical skills, detailed judgment, or interpersonal communication. Researchers warn against over-reliance on automation and emphasize the need to enhance human capabilities to ensure that humans continue to play a vital role in creating economic value.
Key Points:
🔍 41% of companies plan layoffs, but 77% focus more on AI training for employees.
📈 WEF predicts 78 million new job opportunities by 2030, despite 92 million jobs disappearing.
🤖 The study highlights the limitations of AI, indicating that human participation is still needed for certain tasks, and recommends enhancing human skills rather than solely relying on automation.
