"41% of Global Companies Consider Workforce Reduction by 2030 Using AI"

Reuters Yonhap News

Predictions that artificial intelligence (AI) will replace jobs are becoming increasingly close to reality. The World Economic Forum (WEF) announced on the 8th (local time) in its Future of Jobs Report that 41% of companies worldwide plan to reduce their workforce by 2030 as AI replaces certain tasks.

Unlike the 2024 report, this report omitted the content that most technologies, including AI, would be a net positive factor for the number of jobs.

In this regard, ahead of the Davos Forum to be held later this month, WEF stated in a press release that "AI and renewable energy development are reshaping the labor market," adding, "While increasing demand for many technologies and expert roles, demand for occupations such as graphic designers is decreasing."

WEF explained in the report that "the fact that occupations like graphic designers have risen near the top 10 fastest declining jobs is a prediction not seen in previous Future of Jobs reports," indicating "the improved ability of generative AI to perform knowledge-based tasks." Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of WEF, observed that generative AI is playing a role in reshaping industries and jobs across all sectors.

Among hundreds of companies worldwide surveyed, 77% responded that they will utilize AI for retraining and upskilling workers between 2025 and 2030. CNN recently noted that the atmosphere of AI replacing jobs is spreading. Some tech companies, such as file storage service provider Dropbox and mobile learning platform Duolingo, which have carried out workforce reductions in recent years, cited AI as a reason for layoffs.

Meanwhile, demand for AI technology is steadily increasing. According to the latest survey conducted last year, about 70% of surveyed companies plan to hire new personnel capable of designing AI tools. 62% of respondent companies said they plan to hire more personnel who can perform better work alongside AI.