Positive News to End the Year on a High Note (Part 2)

If you scroll long enough, you'd think the world of #work is only getting worse. But that's not entirely true.

In 2025, some things genuinely moved in the right direction, and beyond that, there are quietly uplifting shifts taking place and real opportunities starting to form.

That's why, in this two-part post, I'm choosing to focus on hope. Here's my take as we head into the new year.

AI Is No Longer a Concept. It's a Working Tool.

Stanford's 2025 #AI Index confirmed something many teams already feel day to day: AI has become one of the biggest productivity amplifiers in almost every workplace.

AI supported faster decision making, reduced repetitive work, and allowed people to focus more on judgment, creativity, and problem solving.

This is the biggest shift we have seen in 2025 and, regardless of what you may think about AI, it is changing the world of work as we know it.

The Future of Work Is Creating More #Jobs Than It Removes

According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, global labor markets are expected to create around 170 million new roles by 2030, resulting in 78 million net new jobs, even after displacement.

That matters because it reminds us of a very important lesson: change creates opportunities for those who are willing to adapt.

Where the Opportunities Are Forming

The same report highlights roles that are growing fast and will continue to be in demand through 2026 and beyond. Among them:

• AI and machine learning specialists

• Data analysts and big #data experts

• Software and applications developers

• Cybersecurity and security #management roles

• FinTech engineers

• Roles linked to the green transition and renewable #energy

There's also a bigger focus and more growth in #healthcare, #sustainability, and human-centered roles. If you ask me, in-demand roles in the future will be those that combine the "sweet spot" between being tech-savvy and being human.

The Real Opportunity Is How Leaders Respond

Nearly half of core #workplace #skills are expected to change within the next few years. That is a challenge, but also an invitation to invest in learning, to redesign roles, and to help people embrace change rather than fear it.

None of this guarantees an easy year ahead. But it does offer something better than blind optimism:

• Evidence that progress is happening.

• Evidence that opportunity exists.

• Evidence that the future of work is still very much being shaped.

That felt like a good note to end the year on.

Wishing you all a restful break and a curious start to what comes next.