University of Amsterdam (UvA) professor Henk Volberda (Amsterdam Business School) is responsible for collecting the Dutch data for this global study.

Structural changes in the labour market

‘The labour market will undergo structural changes between 2025 and 2030,’ says Volberda. ‘As many as 60% of employers expect digitalisation to significantly transform their operations by 2030.’ This transformation is driven by digitalisation, rising living costs, and the green transition. ‘Approximately 22% of current jobs will be affected.’

'Although broader access to digital technologies is expected to create 19 million new jobs, it will also eliminate 9 million positions, says Volberda. Furthermore,' AI and information technology are projected to create 11 million jobs while simultaneously displacing 9 million. Robotics and autonomous systems are predicted to be the largest net displacers of jobs, resulting in a net loss of 5 million jobs.

A third of all work will still involve humans

Companies aim to significantly increase automation over the next 5 years through AI and robotics. Volberda predicts that by 2030, only one-third of all work will be carried out by humans: 'A third of human labour will be fully automated, and a third will be performed in collaboration with technology.'

22% of current jobs will change due to AI

Technology-related roles are among the fastest-growing, with specialists in big data, FinTech engineers, AI and machine learning experts, and software developers leading the way. Roles linked to the green and energy transition, such as specialists in autonomous and electric vehicles, environmental engineers, and renewable energy experts, are also among the fastest-growing. In contrast, a significant decline is expected for administrative and clerical jobs, such as cashiers, receptionists, and administrative assistants.

11% of workers will lose their jobs

The study indicates that 39% of current workforce skills will become outdated between 2025 and 2030. ‘This percentage is lower than in previous editions of the report,’ Volberda notes. ‘In 2023, it was 44%, and during the pandemic’s peak in 2020, it reached 57%.’ Reskilling and upskilling will be essential, as 11% of the workforce is expected to lose their jobs due to a lack of required training.

Talent shortage in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, a talent shortage will be a significant challenge from 2025 to 2030. As many as 56% of Dutch companies expect difficulties finding suitable employees, while only 15% are optimistic about improved talent availability. ‘To address this, 86% of Dutch companies are accelerating process and task automation – a strategy more prevalent here than among global competitors.’

Employee wellbeing and diversity take centre stage

Employee wellbeing is becoming a key focus for attracting talent. Some 64% of employers cite supporting health and wellbeing as a core strategy. The adoption of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has risen from 67% in 2023 to 83% today. According to Volberda, companies increasingly recognise that diversity can expand the talent pool: ‘47% now see diversity as an opportunity, compared to just 10% two years ago.’

More than half (52%) of employers anticipate spending a larger share of revenue on wages. Volberda concludes, ‘Wage strategies are increasingly aligned with productivity and performance, aiming to retain talent.’

About the Future of Jobs report

The Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum consolidates insights on the future of work from over 1,000 employers, representing more than 14 million workers across 22 industrial clusters and 55 global economies. The findings are based on a large-scale survey.