The World Economic Forum predicts that technology will increase the supply of remote jobs by 26%, reaching 92 million by the end of the decade.
As we approach the year 2030, the world of work is preparing for profound and exciting changes. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, are reshaping our working lives in ways we are just beginning to understand.
But what will work really look like in 2030? Here’s a glimpse into the future.
Automation and Changing Roles
One of the most significant transformations we will see is the automation of many tasks that we currently perform manually. According to the World Economic Forum, more than 50% of current tasks are expected to be automated by 2030. This does not mean that millions of jobs will disappear, but rather that roles will change. Routine and repetitive tasks will be managed by machines, while jobs that require creativity, empathy, and critical thinking will become even more valuable.
AI is expected to change how we spend our time at work.
Automation will play a significant role in reshaping the workforce. The WEF predicts that more than 50% of current tasks are expected to be automated by 2030. However, this doesn't mean jobs will disappear entirely. Instead, roles will evolve:
Routine and repetitive tasks will be managed by machines
The development of artificial intelligence and robots could not have come at a better time. Populations in major powers have slowed their growth, creating a workforce challenge. However, with automation and robots taking on more tasks, these economies will be able to maintain their productivity despite the shrinking active workforce. This phenomenon will help compensate for the lack of workers, ensuring the continuity of operations in multiple sectors.
The Rise of Remote Work
Remote work, which surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, is not only here to stay but will become the norm for many industries. By 2030, most employees will likely work remotely at least part of the time. This geographical flexibility will allow companies to hire talent from anywhere in the world, optimizing costs and increasing diversity within their teams.
Just like a sports team gets stronger by being able to select players from an entire continent instead of being limited to a small region, companies become more competitive when they have access to a global pool of candidates. By expanding their talent search beyond national borders, organizations significantly increase their chances of finding the best professionals, resulting in a stronger and more adaptable team. Additionally, recent studies show that more than 70% of employees will prefer to work from home some days of the week, leading organizations to redesign their labor policies and invest in technology that facilitates virtual collaboration.
An analysis by McKinsey Global Institute indicates that the adoption of remote work will be more prominent in sectors that do not require physical presence, such as technology and financial services.
The surge in remote work is not just a temporary response to the pandemic, but a long-term shift in how we approach employment with numerous benefits:
Geographical flexibility: Companies can hire talent from anywhere in the world, optimizing costs and increasing diversity within their teams.
Improved work-life balance: More than 70% of employees prefer to work from home at least some days of the week.
Increased competitiveness: Just as sports teams become stronger by selecting players from a larger pool, companies become more competitive when they have access to global talent.
Key Sectors Embracing Remote Work
Certain industries are particularly well-suited for remote work. The WEF report identifies several sectors where remote work is expected to flourish:
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Accounting
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Legal Services
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Finance
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Information Technology (IT) Services
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Healthcare
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Marketing and Advertising
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Communication
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Cybersecurity
Many of these remote positions will be related to knowledge work. The development of technologies like the metaverse may also lead to the creation of remote jobs in sectors such as education, particularly in training talent for technical and soft skills.
Impact on Job Composition and Wages
By 2030, three main factors will influence job composition:
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Aging population
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Creation of new positions
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Changes in existing roles
The WEF estimates that half of the growth in remote positions will be in higher-paid roles, such as software developers, information security analysts, and risk management specialists. This shift could lead to a general improvement in incomes, as lower-paid occupations like customer service and telemarketing are expected to decline.
Well-being and Mental Health as Priorities
As technology advances, so do the associated challenges, such as digital disconnection and fatigue from the constant use of videoconferencing tools. Wellbeing and mental health will be key priorities in the 2030 work environment, especially as remote work and hybrid models become the norm.
According to a report from the Global Wellness Institute, the costs associated with employees' lack of well-being account for between 10% and 15% of global economic output. This has led companies to reevaluate their strategies, with a growing focus on programs that promote mental health and the overall well-being of their teams.
Universal Basic Income and The Four-Day Workweek
Artificial intelligence and robots will not only change the nature of work but also its duration. As tasks are completed in fewer hours thanks to the efficiency of automation, the four-day workweek could become the norm, just as the universal basic income (UBI) is expected to become a reality in many countries.
With robots and AI doing much of the work, structural unemployment could rise, leading governments to consider UBI as a solution to ensure that all citizens have a basic income, regardless of their employment status. This measure could be crucial to maintaining economic and social stability in a world where technology replaces much of human labor.
This concept, already successfully tested in several countries, promises to increase productivity and improve employees' quality of life by allowing them to enjoy a better work-life balance.
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The four-day workweek could become more common, improving work-life balance and potentially increasing productivity.
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Universal Basic Income (UBI) may be implemented in some countries to address potential structural unemployment caused by automation.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the growth of remote work presents numerous opportunities, it also comes with challenges:
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Potential risks for workers in sectors like manufacturing that may face job losses due to offshoring
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Need for infrastructure development to ensure equal access to remote work opportunities
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Requirement for training programs to equip workers with necessary digital skills
The Path Forward
To create a thriving, secure, and inclusive global digital workforce, action is required from multiple stakeholders:
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Employers must adapt their management practices, recruitment strategies, and company cultures to embrace new working models.
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Countries need to invest in digital infrastructure and training programs to prepare their workforce for the future.
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Individuals should focus on continuous learning and skill development to remain competitive in the evolving job market.
By promoting fair wages, responsible use of technology, workplace flexibility, and a culture of continuous learning, we can work towards a strong global digital workforce that benefits both employees and employers.
As we move towards 2030, the world of work will be a fascinating mix of advanced technology, labor flexibility, and a renewed focus on human well-being. Companies and individuals who can adapt to these changes will be well-positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic global market.
