Daily GenAI users report enhanced productivity, job security, and pay, according to PwC’s 2025 Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey. This comprehensive survey, which gathered insights from nearly 50,000 workers across 48 major economies and 28 sectors, was circulated locally by PwC Cyprus on Friday.
Daily genai: Significant Gains for Daily Users
The findings reveal that 92 per cent of daily GenAI users noted a boost in productivity, a stark contrast to just 58 per cent of those who use the technology infrequently. Job security perceptions also showed a notable divergence, with 58 per cent of daily users feeling secure in their roles compared to only 36 per cent of infrequent users. Furthermore, 52 per cent of daily users reported salary improvements, while only 32 per cent of those using GenAI rarely experienced similar benefits. Optimism permeated the responses, with daily users displaying a positive outlook across all metrics surveyed.
Low Frequency of Daily Use
Despite these advantages, the frequency of GenAI usage remains low. While 54 per cent of respondents acknowledged having used AI in their roles at least once over the past year, only 14 per cent reported using GenAI daily, a slight increase from 12 per cent in 2024. Even fewer, at just 6 per cent, indicated that they use agentic AI on a daily basis.
Unequal Access to Development Opportunities
The survey highlights a significant disparity in access to learning and development opportunities within organisations. Only 51 per cent of non-managers feel that their development needs are met, compared to 66 per cent of managers and 72 per cent of senior executives. This gap suggests that many workers are not receiving the support they need to fully leverage GenAI.
Optimism Among Daily Users
Pete Brown, Global Workforce Leader at PwC, noted that employees who engage with AI daily are reaping the rewards of higher productivity, greater job security, and improved pay. He emphasised the need for businesses to go beyond mere training; a rethinking of work design and the human-machine partnership is essential to unlock the full potential of GenAI.
Confidence in the Future
Daily GenAI users exhibit a more optimistic outlook regarding their roles over the next year. About 69 per cent feel confident about their job security, while this figure drops to 51 per cent for infrequent users and just 44 per cent for those who do not use GenAI at all. This disparity highlights the untapped potential among the workforce that has yet to adopt AI tools regularly.
Financial Strain Among Workers
The survey also sheds light on the growing financial pressures within the global workforce. While 70 per cent of respondents feel satisfied with their work at least weekly, only 53 per cent express strong optimism about their future roles. Non-managers report significantly lower levels of satisfaction and trust in leadership compared to their senior counterparts. Financial strain has risen, with 55 per cent of respondents experiencing financial pressure, up from 52 per cent in 2024. Additionally, over one-third of workers feel overwhelmed weekly, particularly among Gen Z, where this figure climbs to 42 per cent.
Shifts in Ambitions
The survey indicates a shift in ambitions regarding pay rises and promotions. The intention to seek raises has decreased from 43 per cent to 37 per cent year on year, while those desiring promotions fell from 35 per cent to 32 per cent. This decline is concerning, given the rising cost of living and economic pressures faced by many workers.
Alignment Between Leadership and Employees
Despite the challenges, the survey suggests that organisations that foster alignment between leadership and employee goals stand to benefit significantly. Workers who feel a strong connection to their organisation’s objectives are 78 per cent more motivated than those who do not. This correlation underscores the importance of inclusive leadership in navigating the complexities of the modern workplace.
