We're more productive, secure and wealthy, say AI users

Professionals who have used generative AI daily over the past year report feeling more productive, more secure in their job, as well as better paid, and are far more optimistic about the future.

So says PwC’s 2025 Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey, which interviewed nearly 50,000 workers globally across 48 major economies and 28 sectors.

It 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%).

However, the survey finds organisations can do more to help workers develop skills and thrive amid 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.

PwC global workforce leader Pete Brown said: “Employees using AI every day are reaping the work 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 months – 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.

While organisations are investing in their upskilling programmes to contend with new and emerging technologies, the survey finds employer upskilling efforts are patchy at best. Just 51% of non-managers feel they have the resources they need for learning and development, compared to 66% of managers and 72% of senior executives.

Based on current trends, those who are already using AI look set to extend their lead over the rest of the workforce. While 75% of daily users of AI feel they have the resources they need for learning and development, only 59% of infrequent users do.

There are also marked differences in the extent to which workers feel part of a culture that supports learning. Overall, 54% of workers say their team treats failure as an opportunity to learn and grow, but this rises to 65% in the technology sector, compared to just 47% in transport and logistics.

While 70% of respondents say they feel satisfied with their work at least once a week, there are also signs of stress.

Only just over half (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.

Some 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.

PwC global clients and industries leader Nicki Wakefield said: “GenAI is already paying off for those who use it every day – with workers reporting significant boosts to productivity, job security and pay – yet only 14% are using it daily.

“This isn’t just a technology story; it’s a people story. Workers thrive when they understand the plan – alignment with leadership sees motivation rise by 78%. In a year of rising financial strain and many feeling overwhelmed, leaders must redesign work and provide clarity and confidence: simple everyday use cases, strong guardrails, and the skills, trust and support that turn AI from hype into real help.”

We’re more productive, secure and wealthy, say AI users

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