In 2017, according to estimates from the global consultancy firm McKinsey & Company, approximately 800 million individuals around the world might lose their jobs due to automation by 2030, necessitating them to seek alternative employment. Additionally, up to 375 million workers might have to change career paths and acquire fresh competencies.
In their July 2024 report, McKinsey stated that “the demand for highly skilled professionals will increase, notably within healthcare and STEM fields. Conversely, roles like those of office staff, manufacturing workers, and customer service agents may see a decrease in demand… Present-day generative artificial intelligence along with other technological advancements could potentially automate tasks that currently occupy about 70% of employee hours.” (McKinsey & Company, July 16, 2024)
New jobs
Positively stated, the World Economic Forum (WEF) noted that “approximately 170 million new job opportunities will emerge this decade due to various global macro trends — including advancements in technology, the shift towards greener practices, changes in economy and demographics, and the transformation of the worldwide labor market.” (WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025, Jan. 7, 2025)
The World Economic Forum predicts that similar trends will lead to the replacement of 92 million jobs globally between 2025 and 2030, yet this shift is expected to create an addition of around 78 million new roles during the same period. The survey conducted involved over 1,000 major corporations from more than 22 sectors, covering approximately 14 million employees. When integrating their projections with those from the International Labour Organization, the WEF identifies that job openings in high-demand areas are largely influenced by technology—such as data analysts, fintech engineers, and experts specializing in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Noting trends in an ageing global population, green transition and food security, WEF says there will be more jobs for farmworkers, delivery drivers, software developers, construction workers, and shop salespersons. Other fast-growing jobs in the next five years include food processing workers, nursing professionals, social workers and counseling professionals.
Continuous learning
The World Economic Forum reports that 39% of essential skills will evolve by 2030. This percentage has decreased from their previous projection of 44% in 2023, largely because more governments and businesses are emphasizing skill enhancement, job training, and ongoing education across numerous nations.
Studies conducted by McKinsey and WEF underscore the importance of acquiring technical abilities, specifically in areas such as artificial intelligence, large-scale data handling, networking, and cyber protection. In addition, various interpersonal competencies will be essential for thriving in future work environments; these include critical analysis, creative ideation, mental toughness, adjustment capabilities, nimbleness, eagerness to learn, guiding others, influencing peers socially, and an ongoing quest for knowledge.
Philippine scenario
In the Philippines, 64 percent of the populace participates economically within the age range of 15 to 64 years. As per the Labor Force Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), there are 49.15 million working Filipinos—61.4 percent in the service sector; 20.3 percent in agriculture; and 18.3 percent in manufacturing.
By February this year, 63.2% of working Filipinos were wage and salary employees; 28.2%, self-employed individuals; 6.6%, unpaid family helpers; and 2.2%, involved in family-run farms or businesses. About 77.3% worked for private companies, whereas 14.7% were with the government sector. The labor force participation rate among young people stood at 31.1%, while their employment rate was recorded at 89.6%. (PSA Labor Force Survey, April 8, 2025)
At the 2024 National Employment Summit, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spoke about the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Act that seeks to develop a “10-year roadmap that will serve as the national guide toward greater employment generation and recovery.” He said the TPB Plan “will be one of the driving forces to help create at least three million new jobs by the year 2028 … quality jobs, with special emphasis on ensuring workers’ welfare, empowerment, competitiveness, and security in all sectors …” (Darryl John Esguerra, PNA, June 27, 2024)
Marcos highlighted that the administration is tackling “the gap between jobs and required skills, as well as issues like underemployment and unemployment” by implementing changes in the foundational education syllabus, integrating TVET into the Senior High School program, and launching employment support programs.
On May 5, the NEDA, DOLE, and DTI will introduce the TPB Plan. The AmCham will host its yearly Talent Summit on May 14. Additionally, Viventis Search Asia will organize a National Skills Summit on June 5. These gatherings aim to bring together industry experts and government officials to address the skill shortage affecting job markets.
The demands for skills are rapidly evolving. Approximately 20 million Filipino workers could lose their jobs unless substantial efforts towards upgrading and retraining occur (Kaushik Das, McKinsey & Company, 2020). This issue with skills can’t be addressed solely through laws or conferences; it requires comprehensive government involvement along with active participation from society as a whole.
The Philippines has yet to recover from the education setbacks brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Other nations are surpassing us in various areas such as economy, finance, and education, not because we have stopped progressing but because their rate of improvement is quicker than ours.
Ernie Cecilia serves as the chairperson for both the Human Capital Committee and the Publications Committee at the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham). Additionally, he chairs the Task Force on Labor and Social Policy Issues under the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), and previously held the position of president at the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP). For further contact information, you may reach him via email at [email protected].