Emmanuel OchayiAs industries evolve, certain jobs are becoming obsolete due to technological advancements and shifting economic conditions. The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs Report 2025 identifies the top 15 fastest declining jobs, providing insight into the workforce changes we can expect in the coming years.
According to the WEF, automation, digital transformation, and the green economy are all factors leading to these job declines. Technological innovations are gradually replacing roles that were once critical to business operations. As new technologies take over, jobs in manual tasks and administrative functions are increasingly being phased out.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn this article, we will break down the top 15 fastest declining jobs you should know about.
1. Postal Service Clerks
Postal service clerks are facing a significant decline in demand. With the rise of digital communication and e-commerce, fewer people rely on traditional postal services. The top 15 fastest declining jobs list sees postal clerks disappearing from the workforce as businesses and consumers turn to electronic mail, online billing, and instant messaging for communication.
2. Bank Tellers and Related Clerks
Bank tellers are seeing their roles shrink due to automation. ATMs, digital banking apps, and online services have replaced much of the work once performed by tellers. In fact, the WEF’s report notes that many customers are now using self-service machines for deposits, withdrawals, and account management.
3. Telemarketers
Telemarketers have been increasingly replaced by AI-powered chatbots and automated systems. Businesses now use these technologies to reach customers, conduct surveys, and even make sales calls. With this shift, the demand for human telemarketers has sharply declined, landing it on the top 15 fastest declining jobs list.
4. Legal Secretaries
Legal secretaries are also experiencing job declines due to the rise of software that automates legal tasks. Document management systems, transcription software, and other legal tools are reducing the need for administrative staff. The automation of many administrative processes means fewer legal secretaries are needed in law firms.
5. Legal Officials
While not disappearing entirely, the role of legal officials is being affected by automation and AI. Legal research, document review, and contract management are now handled by technology, which means fewer legal officials are required for routine work.
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6. Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators are seeing a reduction in job opportunities as AI takes over the claims process. These positions are heavily reliant on data and analysis, areas where AI tools excel.
7. Graphic Designers
Graphic designers are facing challenges as design software evolves to automate many tasks. Platforms like Canva and Adobe’s AI-based tools allow anyone to create professional designs, reducing the need for highly skilled designers in some areas.
8. Door-to-Door Sales Workers
Door-to-door sales workers are becoming obsolete as consumers now shop online or use other digital channels to purchase goods. As consumer habits change, the demand for door-to-door sales representatives has significantly decreased.
9. Transportation Attendants and Conductors
With the rise of ridesharing services like Uber and self-driving vehicles, transportation attendants and conductors are seeing fewer job opportunities. Automation in the transportation industry, such as ticketing systems and AI-powered driving technology, is leading to the decline of these roles.
10. Material Recording and Stock-Keeping Clerks
Material recording and stock-keeping clerks are also on the decline due to the adoption of AI-based inventory management systems. These systems can track stock levels, place orders, and update records automatically.
11. Accounting, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Clerks
Accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll clerks are seeing their positions decline as businesses increasingly use cloud-based accounting software. Automation is streamlining financial tasks, making many of these roles redundant.
12. Printing and Related Trade Workers
Printing jobs have been greatly affected by the rise of digital media. With more people accessing content online, the demand for printed materials has diminished, leading to a decline in printing jobs.
13. Administrative Assistants and Executive Secretaries
Administrative assistants and executive secretaries are becoming less needed as software now handles scheduling, email management, and document processing. Virtual assistants and AI tools are reducing the need for human assistance.
14. Cashiers and Ticket Clerks
Cashiers and ticket clerks are in decline as self-checkout systems and online shopping take over. Customers can now scan their items, pay electronically, and avoid interacting with human cashiers altogether.
15. Data Entry Clerks
Data entry clerks are facing job reductions due to automation. AI-powered software can now handle data input more quickly and accurately than human workers, making this role less relevant.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
