Press Release
● Compared to infrequent users of GenAI at work, daily users are much more likely to have seen tangible benefits in the last year to productivity (92% v 58%), job security (58% v 36%), and salary (52% v 32%)
● Yet only 14% of respondents are using GenAI daily, and only half (54%) say they have used AI for their role in the past 12 months
● 55% of the global workforce is experiencing financial strain, up from 52% in 2024, with a third feeling overwhelmed at least once a week
Workers who used generative AI (GenAI) daily over the last year report being more productive, and seeing higher job security and pay, according to PwC’s 2025 Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey.
The survey, which interviewed nearly 50,000 workers globally across 48 major economies and 28 sectors, shows that compared to infrequent users, daily users are more likely to have seen tangible benefits to productivity (92% v 58%), job security (58% v 36%), and salaries (52% v 32%). They are also more likely to be optimistic about the impacts of AI across these and every other benchmark surveyed.
However, the survey finds that organisations can do more to help workers develop skills and thrive amidst a challenging economy. Just 51% of non-managers feel they have access to the learning and development opportunities they need – compared to 66% of managers and 72% of senior executives.
Pete Brown, Global Workforce Leader, PwC, said:
“Employees using AI every day are reaping the rewards – higher productivity, greater job security and better pay. But to scale these benefits, businesses must go beyond training. Work itself needs to be redesigned and the human–machine partnership redefined. Getting this right will determine whether GenAI becomes a true engine of growth and inclusion, or a missed opportunity.”
The survey also finds that daily GenAI users are far more optimistic about the future of their roles over the next 12-months (69%) relative to infrequent (51%) and non-users (44%).
But while 54% of workers say they have used AI for their role in the past 12 month – frequent utilisation rates remain low, suggesting ample opportunity for growth and access to the tangible benefits. Only 14% of respondents are using GenAI daily, a small rise from the 12% who said as such in 2024. An even smaller proportion (6%) say they are using agentic AI daily.
Share of global workforce experiencing financial strain rises – mounting pressure on employee motivation
While 70% of respondents say they feel satisfied with their work at least once a week, there are also signs of stress. Only 53% of the global workforce feels strongly optimistic about the future of their roles, with non-managers (43%) trailing far behind senior executives (72%). Trust in top management is also divided – with only 64% noting they understand their organisation’s goals. These percentages are lower among non-managers and Gen Z.
55% of the global workforce is experiencing financial strain, up from 52% in 2024. Just over one-third (35%) feel overwhelmed at least once a week, rising to 42% among Gen Z. Fewer than half (43%) received a pay rise in the last year, with less than one-fifth (17%) received a promotion. Perhaps reflecting a tougher economic context, intention to seek pay rises and promotions has fallen year on year, from 43% to 37% and from 35% to 32% respectively.
However, organisations that do secure the buy-in of their teams stand to gain significantly. Workers who feel strongly aligned with leadership goals are 78% more motivated than those who report the least alignment.
