Workforce Transformation in the AI Age: WEF Forecasts 1.1 Billion Jobs to Evolve by 2030

Davos, Switzerland — January 23, 2026 — As the World Economic Forum (WEF) concludes its annual meeting in Davos, a resounding message has emerged for global business leaders: the era of AI experimentation is over, and the age of workforce transformation has begun. The latest data released by the Forum paints a staggering picture of the near future, estimating that 1.1 billion jobs will be radically transformed by technology over the next decade.

At Creati.ai, we have closely monitored the discussions at Davos 2026, where the intersection of artificial intelligence and human capital has taken center stage. The consensus is clear—technological adoption is no longer the primary hurdle; rather, the challenge lies in preparing a workforce capable of wielding these powerful new tools. With reports indicating that 86% of businesses expect AI to impact their operations by 2030, the mandate for reskilling is not just a social imperative but a critical business survival strategy.

The Scale of the Reskilling Revolution

The figures presented at this year's forum underscore the urgency of the situation. The WEF's Reskilling Revolution initiative has highlighted that the integration of Generative AI and automation is accelerating at a pace that outstrips traditional educational cycles. The "Future of Jobs Report 2025," a focal point of discussions this week, suggests that the disruption will extend far beyond the technology sector, reshaping roles in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

For enterprises, this signals a massive shift in how value is created. It is no longer sufficient to simply layer technology over existing workflows. Instead, companies must fundamentally redesign job roles to leverage human-AI collaboration.

The following table outlines the key projections discussed at Davos regarding the impact of AI on the global workforce:

Table: Global Workforce & AI Impact Projections (2026-2030)

HCLTech: A Case Study in Scale and Speed

While many organizations are still grappling with the theoretical aspects of this transition, global technology firm HCLTech has emerged as a practical example of how to execute reskilling at scale. During sessions at the WEF, HCLTech leadership demonstrated how a proactive approach to human capital can yield immediate dividends in the AI era.

According to reports from the forum, HCLTech has successfully trained nearly 80% of its workforce in core digital skills over the past year. The numbers are impressive:

• 115,000+ employees have built advanced digital capabilities.
• 116,000+ employees have been specifically trained in Generative AI.
• 38,000+ employees completed GenAI training in the most recent quarter alone.

C. Vijayakumar, CEO and Managing Director of HCLTech, emphasized that this training is not merely about technical proficiency. The goal is a structural shift in the business model—moving from purely services-based execution to "IP-led solutions." By equipping employees with the ability to harness AI for problem-solving, the company is effectively turning its workforce into a massive engine for innovation rather than just task completion.

This strategy aligns with the broader trend observed at Davos: the "Service to Solution" pivot. As basic coding and administrative tasks become automated, the value of a human employee shifts toward architectural thinking, ethical oversight, and complex decision-making.

The Rise of Physical AI and New Frontiers

A notable development at Davos 2026 was the increased focus on "Physical AI"—the application of AI to robotics and physical systems. With the market for Physical AI expected to reach nearly $1 trillion by 2030, the skills gap is widening in engineering and hardware-software integration.

HCLTech’s showcase of its "AI Lounge" and robotics capabilities illustrated that the workforce of tomorrow needs to be versatile. The distinction between "blue-collar" and "white-collar" work is blurring, replaced by a "new-collar" category defined by the ability to manage intelligent machines.

Creati.ai analysts note that this trend presents a dual challenge for employers. First, they must upskill their digital workforce to handle software agents. Second, they must prepare their operational staff to work alongside physical robots in manufacturing and logistics environments.

Strategic Imperatives for the AI Age

For business leaders reading this news, the takeaway from Davos is actionable. Waiting for the education system to catch up is not a viable strategy. Based on the insights from the World Economic Forum and successful case studies like HCLTech, Creati.ai recommends the following three-pillar approach for workforce readiness:

1. Integrate AI and HR Strategy: Workforce planning can no longer exist in a silo separate from IT strategy. CIOs and CHROs must collaborate to map out which roles will be augmented and which will be automated.
2. Democratize Access to Tools: HCLTech’s success stems from broad access—training over 100,000 people, not just a small elite team. AI fluency must be organization-wide.
3. Focus on "Solutioning" Skills: Move training beyond syntax and software usage. Teach employees how to identify business problems that AI can solve. This shifts the mindset from "using a tool" to "creating value."

Conclusion

The "Reskilling Revolution" is no longer a slogan; it is the defining economic challenge of our time. The 1.1 billion jobs set to transform by 2030 represent both a risk and an opportunity. Organizations that view their people as their most adaptable asset—and invest accordingly—will thrive. Those that treat AI as a replacement for human talent rather than an amplifier risk obsolescence.

As we move further into 2026, the question for every executive is not what AI can do for their company, but what their company is doing to prepare their people for AI.