The World Economic Forum released its ‘The Future of Jobs Report 2025’ this week. The report examines how macro trends impact jobs and skills, and the workforce transformation strategies employers must adopt from 2025 to 2030. One thing is certain: this issue cannot be ignored. Technology, geopolitics, and geo-economic fragmentation create economic uncertainty that must be resolved.

With strategic thinking by businesses and governments, societies can benefit from the technology coming to market.

Senior business leaders and government officials must create an environment in which technology benefits everyone and in which people are supported in developing the necessary skills for the future.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 sheds light on a significant shift: while technical skills remain foundational, the growing importance of interpersonal abilities — such as communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence — cannot be overstated.

This evolution signals that C-suite executives, governments, and policymakers must invest in human-centric skills to drive innovation and resilience.

People Skills at the Core of Future Competitiveness and Growth

As technology reshapes industries and roles, adaptability and collaboration have emerged as key differentiators in the global talent landscape.

According to the Future of Jobs Report 2025, the skills most in demand by 2030 include resilience, flexibility, and social influence — underscoring the critical role of interpersonal capabilities in driving organisational success.

As businesses navigate technological disruptions and geopolitical complexities, 63% of employers identify skill gaps — especially in interpersonal and management domains — as the primary barrier to transformation. 85% of companies plan to invest in workforce upskilling, focusing on aligning human and machine collaboration.

Strategic communication professionals, capable of bridging technical innovation with stakeholder trust, will be essential to fostering resilience and adaptability in a competitive landscape.

The report highlights the growing demand for leadership and social influence skills, including stakeholder engagement. Over 70% of companies identify these as pivotal to success.

As artificial intelligence (AI) adoption gathers pace and economic uncertainty accelerates, these traits are indispensable for navigating the disruption we live through.

These insights validate that investing in people with these capabilities can drive sustainable growth, ensure regulatory alignment, and secure investor confidence, making them indispensable to businesses aiming to thrive amidst change.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Pillars of Organisational Resilience

In industries disrupted by rapid innovation, from AI to renewable energy, communicating effectively and managing stakeholder relationships is a non-negotiable competency. Reputation and trust matter.

Senior leaders are recognising that building trust, fostering transparency, and articulating complex strategies are even more critical for navigating regulatory landscapes and driving public confidence. This is especially true in international markets, where cultural differences can block access and potential growth.

Practical Applications:

• Cybersecurity and Trust: Roles like Security Management Specialists and Information Security Analysts exemplify the growing demand for professionals who combine technical knowledge with the ability to communicate security strategies and build stakeholder trust. Cybersecurity breaches are predominantly linked to human factors rather than technical flaws. A study by Stanford University and a top cybersecurity organisation found that approximately 88% of all data breaches are caused by an employee mistake.

• Sustainability and Community Engagement: Environmental engineers and renewable energy specialists highlight the importance of technical expertise and the capacity to engage policymakers, communities, and businesses in sustainability initiatives.

Strategic Recommendations for Business Leaders

Integrating people skills into strategic planning is no longer optional for senior executives and investors—it’s essential for driving growth, innovation, and resilience. Investors must build reputations for businesses they want to invest in and help grow. Perception influences start-ups' growth journeys.

Here’s how leaders can act:

1. Reimagine Workforce Development:

• Invest in continuous learning programs that prioritise both technical and interpersonal skills.

• Collaborate with universities and training organisations to co-create curricula that address the dual demands of technological expertise and emotional intelligence.

2. Cultivate Collaborative Cultures:

• Break down the internal siloes, ensuring that leadership development becomes a cornerstone of organisational culture, emphasising empathy, adaptability, and inclusion.

• Foster interdisciplinary teams that merge STEM expertise with policy, communications, and strategy to create well-rounded solutions.

3. Champion Stakeholder-Centric Strategies:

• Implement communication frameworks that enhance stakeholder engagement and manage public perceptions effectively.

• Equip teams with tools to navigate complex regulatory environments and build relationships with communities and government entities.

4. Ensure your messaging and positioning create positive perceptions amongst your stakeholders:

• Map out your stakeholders and ensure you know what they think of you, your work, and your plans.

• Ensure that your messaging and communications relate with and harmonise with your stakeholders' views on risk and growth.

Policy Actions for Governments: Empowering People-Centric Growth

Governments are responsible for creating the long-term ecosystem and environments where businesses and individuals thrive in the face of change. Policymakers must better engage with companies, innovators and education to develop policies that drive impactful initiatives. This can be done by thinking across teams and:

• Funding Reskilling Programs: Subsidies should be provided for workforce development initiatives focusing on interpersonal skills, particularly in regions transitioning to green and digital economies.

• Fostering Diversity in STEM: Promote inclusive hiring and training practices to bring varied perspectives into technology roles, enhancing creativity and alignment with stakeholder needs. Remember, digital and technology solutions must be built around the user, whoever they might be.

• Encouraging Innovation through Regulatory Sandboxes: Create controlled environments for businesses to test new technologies while prioritising ethical standards that build public trust, which creates a buy-in from users.

Building Bridges: People Skills as the Key to Sustainable Growth

The Future of Jobs Report 2025 strongly advocates integrating people skills into the strategic agendas of senior business and government leaders.

In a world of complexity and rapid change, technical expertise alone is insufficient. Bringing change and innovation to market needs people.

Tomorrow's most successful leaders will be distinguished by their ability to navigate challenges through empathy, collaboration, and effective communication.

Senior executives and policymakers worldwide can position their organisations as pioneers of progress and trusted partners in shaping a sustainable, inclusive future by investing in human-centric capabilities alongside technological innovation.

Strategy and strategic communications is what builds trust and confidence. The time to act is now.

Insight and opinion on the impact and value of strategy, strategic communication and stakeholder engagement for businesses, investors and governments.

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