Work News and Trends: Global Shifts in Employment, Tech & the Future of Work
This section covers key developments in employment, and how people work, across industries, borders, and job levels.
Read Next
Mass Layoffs Continue in 2025 as Major Companies Restructure
The corporate layoff wave that started in 2022 isn’t over. In the first weeks of 2025, some of the world’s biggest companies like Meta, CNN, Microsoft, Adidas, Shell, Unilever, KLM, and more, have announced job cuts affecting thousands of workers.
The Cost of Living Crisis: A Workforce Under Pressure
According to the Future of Jobs Report 2025, inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty are among the top trends driving change across 50% of industries worldwide.
EU’s Digital Lag: Urgent Reforms Needed to Compete with US and China
(Bloomberg) The European Union (EU) is facing significant challenges in maintaining its economic competitiveness, particularly in the digital sector, where it lags behind the United States and China.
Germany and Italy Expand Work Visa Programs to Address Labor Shortages in 2025
In response to escalating labor shortages, Germany and Italy have announced significant expansions to their work visa programs for 2025, aiming to attract more foreign workers across various sectors.
10 Emerging Careers in PR, Marketing, and Communications
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and immersive media has created unique career opportunities for those prepared to adapt. Whether you’re just starting your career or seeking a pivot, these emerging roles highlight where the industry is headed, and how you can stay ahead of the curve.
EU Labour Market Trends Q2 2024: What to Expect from December’s Update
Looking for the latest EU labor market data? Read on for Q2 trends, and bookmark this page for December 13 when the Q3 2024 release will be added.
Alphabet’s Q3 Challenge: Competition, Cloud Growth, and the Battle for Ad Dollars
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is preparing to report its Q3 2024 earnings, facing new challenges that reflect broader shifts in the tech and advertising landscapes. With competitors like Amazon and TikTok edging into Google's territory, especially in digital advertising, and with newer generative AI players entering the search market, Alphabet’s historically unchallenged dominance is showing signs of strain.
Spotify Challenges Amazon's Office Mandates with Bold Work-From-Anywhere Policy
Just days after Amazon made headlines by enforcing a strict return-to-office policy, Spotify countered with a message that resonated across industries: “Our employees aren’t children.” In a clear pushback against the growing trend among tech giants to pull workers back into offices, Spotify has reaffirmed its commitment to its work-from-anywhere policy, which it introduced in early 2021.
EY Survey Reveals AI’s Growing Role in Tax: Finance Teams Brace for Compliance and Talent Challenges
Generative AI (GenAI) is emerging as a key tool for tax and finance operations, according to the latest EY 2024 Tax and Finance Operations Survey. As businesses grapple with complex tax compliance requirements, talent shortages, and rising cost pressures, AI offers transformative solutions to streamline operations and reduce human errors.
How AI Training Can Foster Ethical AI Use in the Workplace
Companies are under increasing pressure to ensure that AI is used responsibly, not just effectively. To do this, ongoing AI training is crucial to keep employees informed about both the practical applications of AI and the ethical implicationsof its use.
Google-Commissioned Report Highlights Generative AI's Potential to Boost EU Economy by EUR 1.4 Trillion
A new report, released on September 30, 2024, and commissioned by Google, reveals the significant economic impact generative AI could have on the European Union. Conducted by Implement Consulting Group, the study estimates that with widespread adoption, generative AI could add between EUR 1.2 to 1.4 trillion to the EU’s GDP over the next decade, a potential 8% boost. This transformative technology could be the key to enhancing the EU's competitiveness, especially as the region continues to trail behind global leaders like the United States and China.
Europe’s Growing Skill Shortage Crisis: Employers Struggle to Find Qualified Workers
This information was first reported by Euronews. For more details on the Eurobarometer surveys, read the full article here.
How AI and Automation Are Fueling 2024’s Major Tech Layoffs
The wave of tech layoffs that started in 2022 is continuing its trajectory through 2024, with more than 60,000 employees already affected across 254 companies, according to Layoffs.fyi. Major players like Tesla, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have been at the forefront of these cuts, which include both high-profile corporations and smaller startups struggling to find their footing in a volatile economic landscape.
Amazon Announces £8bn UK Cloud Investment, Expected to Create 14,000 Jobs.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced plans to invest £8 billion in the UK over the next five years (2024-2028). This expansion will support the construction and operation of new data centres in London and the west of England, creating 14,000 jobs annually across various industries like construction, telecommunications, and engineering.
The Future of Entry-Level Jobs: AI’s Impact Sparks Debate
According to TIME, AI is taking on roles such as customer service, research, and even writing tasks, raising questions about the future of the entry-level job market.
This sparks a broader debate: What does this mean for new job market entrants? And how will young workers adapt to this changing landscape?
How to Prepare Your Workforce for an AI-Enhanced Future
This preparation involves upskilling and reskilling employees, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and ensuring leadership drives this transformation.
Key Ethical Considerations in AI-Driven Recruitment
The integration of AI technologies is no longer a distant possibility but a present reality. As businesses strive to stay competitive, preparing their workforce for an AI-enhanced future becomes paramount. This preparation involves upskilling and reskilling employees, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and ensuring leadership drives this transformation. For a deeper understanding, explore our detailed analysis on AI, business, and the future of work.