As AI accelerates and labour markets shift, HR leaders across Europe are asking: what will the world of work look like by 2030? That question took centre stage in the EAPM’s recent webinar unpacking the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025—with nearly 1,000 professionals tuning in.
Moderated by Ulrik S. Brix (NOCA CEO and EAPM Board Member), the panel featured strategic insights from:
  • Ricky Li, Insights & Data Lead, World Economic Forum
  • Christina Gadeberg, EVP & Head of People, Nordea
  • Peter Møllgaard, President, Copenhagen Business School
  • Christian Lauritsen, Regional Director, ISS

Here are the most powerful takeaways and soundbites from the session.

Net Job Growth – But Major Shifts
“117 million jobs will be created globally by 2030, but 92 million will be displaced.” – Ricky Li, WEF
This represents a net gain of 78 million jobs, but the transformation won’t be evenly distributed. AI, demographic shifts, and the green transition are the key drivers.
“In absolute numbers, it’s frontline workers—nurses, teachers, truck drivers—who will grow most. In percentages, it’s AI specialists, fintech engineers, and green jobs.” – Ricky Li
AI Is Here – But It’s Not the Job Killer You Think
“50% of tasks at Nordea will be impacted by AI by 2030—but we see it as an enabler, not a killer.” – Christina Gadeberg
AI is not replacing all human labour. Instead, the future lies in collaboration between humans and machines. In Denmark, for example, task-sharing is shifting toward hybrid models that combine technology and human input.
“We must stop digitising old ways of working. It’s time to rethink entirely how we use technology.” – Christina Gadeberg
Skills of the Future: Not Just Tech
While technical skills like data, cybersecurity, and AI are essential, human-centric skills remain at the top.
“Analytical thinking, resilience, flexibility, leadership and creativity top the skills list for 2025.” – Ricky Li

Surprisingly, environmental stewardship entered the top 10 growing skills for the first time, showing how the green transition is reshaping workforce needs.

Green & Geopolitical Shocks Are Shaping the Agenda
“Geopolitical tension and climate adaptation are no longer abstract. They’re strategic HR issues now.” – Ulrik S. Brix
“We need to prepare our workforce not only for economic transformation but for societal resilience.” – Peter Møllgaard

Leaders urged HR teams to rethink workplace readiness for wider civil and defence responsibilities—especially in a volatile Europe.

Rethinking Education & Lifelong Learning
“The old model—university, then 40 years of work—is broken.” – Peter Møllgaard
Copenhagen Business School is piloting shorter master’s programs with lifelong learning access. ISS and Nordea are embedding AI into internal mobility and training platforms to future-proof their workforce.
“Learning agility is the new must-have. Hire for potential—not just for today’s skills.” – Christian Lauritsen
What Should HR Do Next?
Final recommendations from the panel:
  1. Embrace AI in workforce planning – but keep the human element at the core.
  2. Partner across sectors – universities, governments, SMEs and corporations must align.
  3. Build resilient organisations – by investing in upskilling and internal mobility.
  4. Create learning cultures – with flexible, tailored, lifelong learning paths.
“We can’t face these changes alone. Shared solutions will define the future of work.” – Ricky Li

You can watch the full recording here.

Additional resources available: