(This is an expanded version of a Linkedin post I wrote that had great engagement. I decided to develop a bit more so we can understand better and reflect some more.)
What a great way to start 2025 with this conversation Alessio Foderi from Linkedin about #jobsontherise, thanks for involving me!
I’ll start with a few commonly shared ones: There’s always the #futureofjobsreport2025 by the World Economic Forum, where you can explore as much as you want (it’s 290 pages long! You can find the link at the bottom of the article).
– Technology: Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization
– Sustainability
– Everything related to the world of travel
– Project managers
– Professions linked to caregiving
So far, so clear. But let me shift a bit toward #thefutureofpeople and not just jobs.
This morning, I was talking with an HR director and a university professor about the big question our children face when making university choices. I’d like to dig a bit deeper here. People need to train certain muscles: emotional intelligence, awareness, and motivation.
Let’s start with the basics, the things people MUST have to grow in their careers and build supportive teams.
- Respons-ability: The ability to respond to what happens . What am ”I” doing to make the future of work more exciting? What kind of “role model” am I being? The consistency between what we say and what we do is the best indicator of how we help others and the system grow. How capable am I of helping other professionals grow? How well do I know them, and am I willing to stand up for them?
- Systemic Thinking: Interdependence, as Buddhists would say. Every action we take influences the system around us. Think about it: How aware are we of the connections between our work, the people we collaborate with, and the global context? How good are we at having a broader perspective? Not just considering the now, but recognizing that every business decision can affect not only profits but also the environment, communities, countries, and the world.
- Self-Awareness: How willing are we to put ourselves out there? For example, embracing technology requires acknowledging our resistance to change. I’ve often found myself delaying learning new digital tools, but every time I took that step, the result was incredible growth. Only when I’m aware and know my strengths and weaknesses can I make quick, accurate decisions.
- Kindness: I mention this often because sometimes I’m surprised by how society (at least where I live) is changing. People don’t greet each other, they don’t make eye contact, they don’t genuinely ask, “How are you?” That unconditional kindness — just being nice simply because it’s the right thing to do! Giving a bit more, not to get something in return, but because the world needs more generous acts. Connecting two people for a collaboration, inviting someone to an event, leaving a paid coffee for the next customer — small gestures that create connection and positivity.
- Recognition and Appreciation: Recently, I’ve noticed how hard it is for people to acknowledge others. Yet recognition isn’t just a courtesy — it’s a transformative force. Thanking someone for their contribution, valuing a colleague’s work, celebrating a small success. You know when someone recommends something, and you try it? Call them or send a message to thank them! These gestures build trust and motivation, essential for growing together.
- Inclusion: Open-mindedness, languages, curiosity, general knowledge. That curiosity that nowadays is seen as nosiness but was once normal. That “I didn’t want to bother you” used as an excuse for being in a rush and choosing to just move on. Multiculturalism and languages are absolutely a “must-have” for #jobsintherise, and this doesn’t mean we have to travel to other countries to educate ourselves. It could simply mean being more present with colleagues or neighbors from different cultures who introduce us to new perspectives.
For 2025, growth won’t only be measured by numbers but by the “human value we put at the center”. Responsibility, self-awareness, kindness, systemic thinking, recognition, and inclusion… these are trends we must keep an eye on, in my opinion.
Any others? What do you think?
Link to the full Report: https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_Report_2025.pdf