Workers around the world are facing increasing pressure to upgrade their skills as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies accelerate changes across global labour markets, according to the International Monetary Fund.
In a recent blog post, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said fresh IMF analysis stated that technological disruption is now widespread, cutting across sectors and job types rather than being limited to manufacturing or administrative functions.
The findings are based on an extensive review of millions of online job postings spanning both advanced and emerging economies, underscoring how job security is increasingly linked to ongoing reskilling and adaptability.
Rising Demand for New Skills Across Job Markets
According to the IMF’s research, employers are increasingly seeking workers with new or updated capabilities.
The analysis found that:
- One in 10 job vacancies in advanced economies now requires at least one new skill
- One in 20 job postings in emerging market economies carries a similar requirement
These trends highlight how digital tools and AI-driven processes are reshaping employer expectations across industries.
“For workers, the ability to learn new skills or adapt existing ones is becoming central to remaining employable,” Georgieva said.
Wage Premiums for Workers With In-Demand Skills
The IMF also found that companies are willing to pay higher wages to attract workers with emerging skills.
In the United Kingdom and the United States:
- Jobs that require at least one new skill offer pay premiums of around 3%
- Positions demanding four or more new skills can pay up to 15% more in the UK and 8.5% more in the US
These wage differentials reflect intensifying competition for talent as technological change accelerates.
Not All Workers Benefit Equally
Despite rising wages for some roles, the IMF cautioned that the employment impact of AI and digitalisation is uneven.
While high-skilled and low-skilled workers tend to see stronger gains, middle-skill occupations, such as routine clerical and office jobs, are experiencing growing pressure.
AI-focused roles present a more complicated picture. Although jobs requiring AI skills command higher pay, they have not yet resulted in broader employment growth.
In areas with strong demand for AI expertise, employment in AI-exposed occupations was 3.6% lower after five years compared with regions where demand was weaker.
Young People Face Heightened Exposure
Georgieva noted that young workers are particularly vulnerable, as many entry-level positions are more easily automated or restructured by AI systems.
The IMF said demand for new skills is concentrated mainly in professional, technical, and managerial roles, with information technology accounting for more than half of total new-skill requirements identified in the data.
Sector-Specific Digital Skills Becoming Essential
Beyond general digital literacy, the IMF observed growing demand for industry-specific capabilities.
- Healthcare employers are increasingly seeking expertise in telemedicine and digital health tools
- Marketing roles now frequently require social media management and data-driven digital skills
Without deliberate policy action, the IMF warned, these shifts risk deepening inequality and increasing anxiety across labour markets.
IMF Urges Policy Action to Prepare Workers
The IMF estimates that nearly 40% of jobs worldwide are exposed to AI-driven transformation, raising concerns about displacement and reduced opportunities for certain groups.
“This highlights the urgency of proactive and inclusive policymaking that equips workers for the future of work and ensures that the benefits of AI are widely shared,” the Fund said.
To help governments respond, Georgieva revealed that the IMF has developed a Skill Imbalance Index, designed to measure gaps between future skill demand and the current supply of qualified workers.
As AI-driven disruption accelerates, the IMF stressed that reskilling and upskilling will be critical in determining workers’ long-term employment prospects.
