Skill gaps – the greatest barrier to business transformation in the leading years to 2030. The biggest myth in business today? That AI is something on the horizon. The reality is that AI is already here, and it’s already reshaping industries, roles, and skill demands globally. The presence of Ai has also highlighted the need for something else, more human – the need for connection. Change can feel overwhelming, but for organisations willing to embrace it, offers a powerful competitive advantage.
By 2030, it’s estimated that 70% of skills currently used in jobs will change. Demand for adaptive talent is rising sharply, and human-centred skills are becoming more valuable than ever. According to LinkedIn’s World Change Report, 38% of global C-suite executives now prioritise agility when hiring entry-level candidates — signalling a major shift in the skills that companies seek.
Comparing insights from the LinkedIn World Change Report and the Future of Jobs Report 2025 has led us to this conclusion, revealing a clear pattern:
Efforts to close soft skill and AI-orientated skill gaps are becoming the single biggest signifier of an organisation’s future success. We are in an age of rapid change which means that we are also in an age of rapid transformation. To retain a competitive edge, organisations across the world are trying to catch up, with 85% of businesses prioritising workforce upskilling to remain on top. It seems that upskilling and reskilling are no longer optional — they are critical survival strategies.
Well-Being, Communication, and Power Skills Take Center Stage
Alongside technical abilities, employee health and well-being is also a strategic priority.
- 64% of employers highlight supporting well-being as key to attracting top talent.
- Strong reskilling programmes, clear career progression paths, and learning ecosystems are becoming not just talent magnets but also talent retainers.
Most importantly, communication skills, emotional intelligence, leadership, and problem-solving — the so-called “power skills” — are now highly sought after. As more teams work remotely and collaborate across borders, these human skills serve as the sinew connecting innovative teams and driving results. In a future increasingly influenced by AI, it’s the ability to connect, empathise, and adapt that will set top performers apart.
Career Elasticity: The New Model for Growth
Career elasticity — the ability to stretch and grow across multiple roles and domains — is replacing traditional career paths. Dynamic, flexible career journeys are becoming the norm, where continuous learning and curiosity are critical assets.
Employees who invest in adjacent skills — like a marketer learning data analytics or an engineer mastering negotiation skills — will be better positioned for career mobility and leadership opportunities.
Building a Culture of Lifelong Learning
Organisational culture must now evolve into a true learning ecosystem. Forward-thinking companies from every industry are embedding personalised training paths into everyday work life.
As we move toward 2030, this blend of technical proficiency and human-centred skills will become the foundation of successful careers and companies. The ability to communicate complex ideas, lead diverse teams, and adapt quickly to shifting technologies will separate the high-performing individuals and organisations from the rest.
The technical landscape will keep evolving, but irreplaceable human abilities like communication, collaboration, empathy, and creative problem-solving — will be the true foundation of success in the years to come.
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