The 2025 Job Market: Navigating Continuous Transformations
The year 2025 unfolds amidst ongoing transformations in the labor markets, marked by disruptions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, geopolitical conflicts, and climate challenges. According to the "Future of Jobs Report 2025" published by the World Economic Forum, although global economic prospects appear to be stabilizing, growth remains sluggish, with a projected rate of 3.2% for 2025. Inflation, although decreasing to 3.5%, remains high, affecting the cost of living.
The global unemployment rate has reached its lowest level since 1991, at 4.9%. However, disparities persist. Middle-income countries are experiencing a decline in unemployment, while it is increasing in low-income countries (5.3% in 2024).
Women are still more affected, with a global unemployment rate of 5.2% compared to 4.8% for men. As for young people, their unemployment rate remains concerning, reaching 13% globally, with notable differences according to the income levels of countries. Labor force participation has recovered to pre-pandemic levels, except in lower-middle-income economies, where it now exceeds 2019 levels.
The report highlights the key technologies redefining the labor markets by 2025. Among these, the expansion of digital access is identified as a major catalyst, with 60% of employers expecting a significant impact on their activity. Artificial intelligence (AI) stands out, with 86% of companies anticipating a major transformation of their operations, particularly due to the rise of generative AI like ChatGPT, which has led to an eightfold increase in investments in this area since 2022. Autonomous and robotic systems are expected to transform 58% of businesses, while energy production and storage technologies are expected to influence 41% of activities. Generative AI, by simplifying its adoption through accessible interfaces without technical expertise, has also triggered a strong demand for specialized skills, reflecting its growing impact on labor market dynamics.
Despite signs of recovery, the fragility of global economic systems persists. Economists remain divided, with 54% anticipating short-term stability, but more predicting deterioration than improvement. Risk factors include slow growth, political volatility, and economic shocks.
