Survey reveals that workers prioritize skills growth and AI adoption amid increased workloads and workplace changes
The 2024 Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey by PwC reveals that workers are prioritising long-term skills growth to accelerate their careers amid rising workloads and heightened workplace uncertainty.
The survey, which includes responses from over 56 thousand workers across 50 countries and territories, highlights significant changes in the workplace over the past year.
Workers report a 45 per cent increase in workloads and an accelerating pace of workplace change.
Nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) have experienced more change at work in the past year compared to the previous 12 months, with two-fifths (40 per cent) noting significant changes in their daily responsibilities. Almost half (44 per cent) do not understand the purpose of these changes.
Amid these pressures, workers are alert to new opportunities and are focusing on skills growth and embracing AI. More than one-quarter (28 per cent) are likely to switch employers within the next 12 months, a notable increase from the 19 per cent during the 'Great Resignation' of 2022.
Two-thirds (67 per cent) of those considering a move say skills are a key factor in their decision to stay with their current employer or switch to a new one.
Carol Stubbings, Global Markets and Tax and Legal Services (TLS) Leader, PwC UK, emphasized, “As workers face heightened uncertainty, rising workloads and continue to face financial stress, they are prioritising skills growth and embracing new and emerging technologies such as GenAI to turbocharge their growth and accelerate their careers.”
“The findings suggest that job satisfaction is no longer enough. Employees are placing an increased premium on skills growth in a climate characterised by constant technological change. Employers must ensure they are investing in their employees and technological platforms to mitigate employee pressures and retain the brightest talent,” she continued.
Employees are turning to technologies like generative AI (GenAI) to help ease workplace pressures and support personal growth. Among daily GenAI users, 82 per cent expect it to make their work time more efficient in the next 12 months.
Half (49 per cent) of all users expect GenAI to lead to higher salaries, a sentiment that rises to 76 per cent among daily users. Over 70 per cent of users agree that GenAI will enhance creativity (73 per cent) and improve work quality (72 per cent).
Workers are increasingly focusing on skills growth to address their concerns and advance their careers. Employees likely to switch employers in the next 12 months are nearly twice as likely to consider upskilling compared to those planning to stay (67 per cent vs. 36 per cent).
However, fewer than half (46 per cent) of all employees believe their employer provides adequate opportunities to learn new skills.
There is strong interest in AI’s impact on skills development, with 76 per cent of users expecting it to create new learning opportunities. However, employers need to invest in training and access to new technologies.
Among employees who have not used GenAI at work, one-third (33 per cent) see no opportunities to use the technology in their line of work, 24 per cent lack access to the tools, and 23 per cent do not know how to use them.
Despite the rapid pace of change, there are signs of optimism and engagement. Sixty per cent of workers report at least moderate job satisfaction, up from 56 per cent in 2023. More than half (57 per cent) of employees who value fair pay agree that their job is fairly compensated.
Cost-of-living pressures have slightly eased, with 45 per cent of workers having money left over each month, up from 38 per cent. However, more than half (52 per cent) still experience some degree of financial stress.
“Technology is fundamentally transforming the way work gets done and the types of skills employers are looking for. Employees are therefore placing an increased premium on organisations that invest in their skills growth so that they can stay relevant and thrive in a digital world,” noted Pete Brown, Global Workforce leader, PwC UK.
“Businesses in turn must be proactive in their upskilling programs - prioritising the employee experience and being transparent. Because when you meaningfully engage your workforce, they become an accelerant for successful transformation.”
