Daily GenAI users see higher pay, job security and productivity – while a third of the global workforce regularly feel overwhelmed

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.

Megan Green, Human Capital Leader and Partner, PwC Bermuda said:

“Our annual survey shows that employees who use AI daily are experiencing significant benefits – increased productivity, enhanced job security, and improved compensation. However, only 14% are using it daily. Organisations need to move beyond only focusing on training. The nature of work must be redesigned, including the collaboration between humans and machines. Successfully doing so will decide if GenAI serves as a genuine driver of growth and transformation.”

She added: 

“Realizing AI’s promise means reimagining work and building confidence: practical examples, clear rules, and the support that transforms AI from buzzword to benefit. Ultimately, this is about people, not just technology.”

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.

The upskilling divide: non-managers are falling behind senior executives in their growth opportunities and outlook

While organisations are investing in their upskilling programmes to contend with new and emerging technologies, the survey finds employer upskilling efforts are uneven. 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.

Alistair McNeish, Managing Director, PwC Advisory and Human Capital, said:

“Our survey highlights a critical moment for talent management: while daily users of generative AI experience clear benefits, a significant portion of the workforce, especially non-managers, still lack access to essential learning and development resources. It’s important to identify executives and leaders who can champion this transformation—those who not only drive innovation but also inspire and support their teams through change.”

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.

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Notes to Editors

About PwC’s 2025 Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey

PwC surveyed 49,843 workers across 48 countries and regions and 28 sectors from 7 July through 18 August 2025. The figures in this report are weighted proportionally to each country’s working population’s gender and age distribution, so workers’ views are broadly representative across all major regions.