As the 2024 hiring season kicks off, significant trends are emerging in how roles are created, found and landed. These job market trends include a cooling jobs climate, the rise of AI-driven hiring, and the stabilization of gig economy work.
While the economy continues to grow, companies are not aggressively expanding their workforces. This is largely due to uncertainty about tariffs and higher interest rates. Despite this slowdown, most employers still report plans to add employees this year.
Two major demographic shifts are transforming global economies and labour markets. Aging populations drive growth in healthcare jobs like nursing professionals, while growing working age populations fuel demand for education-related professions.
The growing prevalence of these demographic trends is expected to reshape the future of work in 2025. Some positions, such as data analysts and software developers will continue to be in high demand, but more roles will need a human touch. Those positions will likely focus on the more interpersonal aspects of business, like customer service and building personal relationships.
Another trend to watch is the increasing availability of jobs in non-tech industries that require technology skills. For example, some fast food restaurants have started adding ordering kiosks, and many companies are deploying warehouse automation. This means fewer people are needed for routine tasks, such as cashing up or assembling orders. This shift is also a sign that more workers will be needed in sectors that may have historically been overlooked by tech talent, like finance and HR.