The future of work is not a distant concept anymore—it’s happening right now. Based on fascinating research from the World Economic Forum (WEF), we’re seeing new jobs that not only respond to a pandemic-shaped reality but will define the way we live and work in the next decade. Jamais Cascio, a futurist whose work I admire, has often said that anticipating change requires not just forecasting but imagination. Right now, the workforce is on the cusp of some truly innovative (and mind-blowing) transformations.
As a Director of Learning and Development, I’ve always had a keen interest in the future of work. Recently the rapid changes in the workplace, accelerated by technology and global shifts, have fundamentally changed the way we think about jobs. My role involves helping employees and organisations adapt to these changes, and part of that is keeping an eye on emerging trends. Over the years, I’ve gathered feedback from employers, thought leaders, and innovators, and what they’ve shared is eye-opening.
In this blog I take a look at the WEF predictions on the top jobs of 2030, and how they might reshape the world of work. More importantly, I include some suggestions about how we can best prepare ourselves for this new chapter.
The Job of Now; there is little doubt that the pandemic forced a massive shift toward remote work, and this is where a Work from Home (WFH) Facilitator comes in. Before 2020, only about 5% of companies had remote work policies. Today, that figure has multiplied, with companies realising the benefits (and challenges) of remote work.
As someone in Learning and Development, I have already seen how crucial this role is. It’s about more than just setting up tech—it’s about creating a sustainable and engaging remote work environment that nurtures productivity and well-being. This is one of those roles where immediate action is needed, not just long-term planning but placing a genuine interest in people’s development and their well-being.
The WEF study suggests that companies should be looking towards roles like that of Fitness Commitment Counsellor, a person who combines wearable technology like Fitbit with motivational coaching. This person would offer predictive and preventative counselling, helping individuals stay healthy through personalised fitness plans.
From an organisational standpoint, this role fits perfectly into the trend of promoting employee wellness. I’ve had employers express the need for more holistic approaches to wellness that go beyond traditional perks like gym memberships. This role leans directly into a real need, blending technology and human support to keep employees healthy and engaged.
With more people working from home, our homes need to adapt creating a versatile and flexible space to live and work in. Moving towards 2030 a Smart Home Designer will become a key player in designing homes that are not just smart but also work-friendly. This job will focus on optimising home offices with everything from soundproofing to voice-activated systems.
According to the WEF, the future of work is hybrid, and employers will need to ensure that their employees’ work-from-home environments are just as efficient and comfortable as their offices. This role is exciting because it merges technology, architecture, and productivity in a way we haven’t seen before.
Other jobs/roles that were mentioned in the WEF study include:
- XR immersion counsellor; welcome to virtual reality
- Workplace environment architect; designing for health and safety
- Algorithm bias auditor; keeping AI in check
- Data Detective; Solving Big Data Mysteries
- Cyber calamity forecaster; navigating digital threats
- Tidewater architect; designing for rising seas
- Human-machine teaming manager; building synergy with robots
Looking Ahead – building a future-focused workforce
While we can’t predict exactly how the future will unfold, roles like these give us a clear sense of direction. We have entered a period of reset, and as Cascio would say, this state requires vision and imagination. These new roles are not just futuristic, they are a reality that’s already beginning to take shape. My job, and the job of every leader in learning and development, is to prepare our people, organisations and teams for this brave new world of work.
To prepare for the fast-approaching future of work, it’s essential that aspiring students, schools, and institutions like the CAO (Central Applications Office) broaden their approach to education. The predictions for jobs of the future highlight the need for new skill sets that don’t always fit neatly into our traditional curriculums.
Students will need access to interdisciplinary learning that blends technology, human-centred design, and even ethics. Schools and universities, in turn, will need to broaden their curriculum to offer programs that reflect these emerging roles, incorporating fields like AI ethics, virtual reality design, sustainability engineering, and more. A shift in the course allocation system is crucial to accommodate the evolving job market, giving students the flexibility to gain a mix of hard and soft skills that will be in high demand.
Moreover, the CAO may need to adapt its course application and allocation system to allow for more fluid and customised learning pathways. Traditional degree programs, while still valuable, will need to expand to include micro-credentials, certifications, and modular courses that reflect the rapidly changing professional landscape.
If we’re to prepare students for the jobs of 2030 and beyond, we need to act now to modernise education. It’s not just about teaching what’s relevant today, but about building the foundations for the jobs of tomorrow.
As we look toward the future of work, it’s important to replace the fear of change with optimism and innovation. Yes, the pace of transformation can feel overwhelming, but it is also an incredible opportunity for growth and creativity. Instead of worrying about jobs being lost to automation or new technologies, we should focus on the exciting roles and opportunities being created. These new jobs offer students, professionals, and organisations the chance to reinvent themselves, build cutting-edge skills, and contribute to a more dynamic and innovative economy. By embracing change with a forward-thinking mindset, we can all play a role in shaping a future that’s full of possibility.
Authored by Janet Tumulty Director of Learning and Development, inspired by insights from World Economic Forum research on Jobs of the Future 2030.