However, this “skill instability” has slowed compared to the predictions in previous editions of the report, potentially due to increasing employee reskilling and upskilling rates.
Employers surveyed identified the following as the top skills workers will need in 2025 and beyond:
Analytical thinking
Resilience, flexibility, and agility
Leadership and social influence
AI and big data
Networks and cybersecurity
Technological literacy
Creative thinking
Curiosity and lifelong learning
Environmental stewardship
Systems thinking
Skills such as manual dexterity, endurance, precision, and basic skills such as reading, writing, and math are expected to be in less demand.
The report notes:
“Manual dexterity, endurance, and precision stand out with notable net declines in skills demand, with 24% of respondents foreseeing a decrease in their importance.”
Preparing The Workforce
The report highlights the need to upskill and reskill workers due to upcoming skill changes. Employers can upskill 29% of their staff and redeploy 19%, but 11% may not receive the necessary training.
The report states:
“If the world’s workforce was made up of 100 people, 59 would need training by 2030.”
To address these challenges, 85% of employers plan to focus on upskilling current workers, 70% will hire new staff with needed skills, and 50% aim to move workers from declining jobs to growing ones.
Saadia Zahidi, the Managing Director at the World Economic Forum, emphasized the need for collective action:
“The disruptions of recent years have underscored the importance of foresight and collective action. We hope this report will inspire an ambitious, multistakeholder agenda—one that equips workers, businesses, governments, educators, and civil society to navigate the complex transitions ahead.”
What Does This Mean?
The rise of AI and data-driven marketing is reshaping SEO roles.
Here’s what matters:
SEO pros need AI basics. Understanding machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and analytics tools is becoming essential for managing automated systems and content optimization.
While AI helps create content, success needs human insight. Focus on storytelling and brand strategy that connects with users and satisfies search intent.
Better tools mean more data. Winners will be those who can turn metrics into effective campaigns and prove ROI.
Privacy and data protection knowledge sets you apart. Expect more overlap with security teams.
SEO isn’t solo work anymore. Success means working well with devs, AI teams, and product managers.
Bottom line: Blend AI and analytics skills with human creativity and strategy to stay competitive.
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