employees in the industry have currently undergone reskilling or upskilling, compared to a global industry average of 50%. One-third of employers are planning to offer higher wages and one in five plan to leverage diversity, equity and inclusion programmes: both shares are below the global industry averages of 50% and 39%, respectively. Over the next five years, companies in the Retail and Wholesale of Consumer Goods sector expect industry transformation to be impacted by rising cost of living (68%, compared to 50% across all industries) and increased focus on labour and social issues (64%, compared to 46%). Talent shortages are seen as pronounced in the sector, with 58% of employers expecting talent availability to become more difficult by 2030 and 28% anticipating declines in talent retention. To adapt workforce strategies, companies are planning on prioritizing upskilling and reskilling of current workers, automation of tasks, and recruitment of talent with emerging skills. Forty-one percent of employers are considering transitioning existing staff from declining job roles to growth areas, presenting an under-utilized opportunity for the industry to invest in job transitions. Emerging job roles in the industry are anticipated to include AI and Machine Learning Specialists, Digital Marketing and Strategy Specialists, and Big Data Specialists. With 37% of on-the-job skills used today expected to change by 2030, the Supply Chain and Transportation industry reports having already put significant effort into reskilling and upskilling, with 57% of employees having completed training programmes, above most other industries. As the industry transforms in response to increased digital access, climate mitigation and adaptation, and rising cost of living, growing job roles in the industry are foreseen to include Light Truck or Delivery Services Drivers; Client Information and Customer Service Workers; and Car, Van and Motorcycle Drivers. Companies see increasing demand in skills such as AI and big data, technological literacy, and networks and cybersecurity. Analytical thinking is also identified as a priority, with 79% of firms expecting increasing its use, a higher share than in other industries. However, a majority of respondents regards the industry’s inability to attract talent as a potential risk that could stall transformation. As digital access and connectivity continue to increase globally, they are expected to drive industry transformation in the Telecommunications sector over the next five years. Adoption of AI is anticipated to play a strong role in the future of the industry, while 40% of companies are also preparing to make greater use of space and satellite technologies. Growing job roles in the industry are expected to include AI and Machine Learning Specialists, Big Data Specialists, and Data Analysts and Scientists. To enable industry transformation, 96% of employers plan to upskill and reskill their workforce and 82% intend to increase automation of tasks within work processes. To attract talent, 48% of companies – twice the global industry average – plan to offer remote work across borders, while 22% of respondents are evaluating options for moving operations closer to their homebase through reshoring or nearshoring. Future of Jobs Report 2025 89