A new global survey from consultants PwC suggests that workers who use generative AI every day are gaining clear advantages in productivity, job security and pay. The 2025 Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey, published on 12 November, draws on responses from nearly 50,000 workers across 48 economies. It points to an emerging divide between those who use GenAI frequently and those who do not, raising questions about how organisations support skills development during a period of rapid technological change.
What advantages are daily AI users seeing?
According to the report, daily GenAI users are far more likely to have experienced tangible benefits in the past year. Ninety two per cent reported productivity improvements. Over half said their job security had improved. Just over half said their salary had risen. These figures were significantly higher than those reported by infrequent users.
The report states that “employees using AI every day are reaping the rewards – higher productivity, greater job security and better pay.” Pete Brown, Global Workforce Leader at PwC, says that to spread 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.”
Yet only 14 per cent of respondents use GenAI every day. Although 54 per cent say they have used AI at least once in their role over the past twelve months, regular use remains limited. Only 6 per cent say they use agentic AI daily.
Where is the upskilling gap emerging?
The survey highlights a widening divide in access to learning and development. Just 51 per cent of non-managers feel they have the resources they need. This compares with 66 per cent of managers and 72 per cent of senior executives. Among daily GenAI users, 75 per cent feel supported in their development. Only 59 per cent of infrequent users feel the same.
There are also notable differences in workplace culture. Overall, 54 per cent of workers say their team treats failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. This figure rises to 65 per cent in the technology sector but drops to 47 per cent in transport and logistics.
Are workers only using approved AI tools?
A separate study adds another dimension to these findings. UpGuard’s “State of Shadow AI” report, published on 10 November 2025, found that “a surprising 90% of security leaders themselves report using unapproved AI tools at work, with 69% of CISOs incorporating them into their daily workflows.” The report also notes that “employees worldwide are actively bypassing corporate governance at all levels” and that “increased security training and literacy does not curtail increased shadow AI usage; in fact, it increases it.” These findings suggest that while AI adoption is rising, many organisations lack clear governance structures, prompting workers, including senior managers, to rely on unapproved tools.
This rise in shadow AI use highlights a governance challenge that runs alongside the productivity gains identified by PwC. Organisations that want to scale AI benefits may need to focus as much on tool approval, training and clear guidance as on promoting usage.
How are workers feeling about job pressures?
The PwC report shows signs of rising pressure across the workforce. Fifty five per cent of workers say they are experiencing financial strain, up from 52 per cent last year. One third report feeling overwhelmed at least once a week, rising to 42 per cent among Gen Z.
Only 53 per cent of workers feel strongly optimistic about the future of their roles. Non-managers report much lower levels of optimism than senior executives. Fewer than half of all respondents received a pay rise last year, and only 17 per cent were promoted.
Nicki Wakefield, Global Clients and Industries Leader at PwC, says: “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.” She adds that “workers thrive when they understand the plan – alignment with leadership sees motivation rise by 78%.”
Why workplace design will shape the next phase of AI adoption
While the survey shows increased exposure to AI, the slow growth in daily use suggests that benefits are unevenly spread. The findings point to the need for accessible skills programmes, clearer guidance and practical use cases that help workers apply AI in routine tasks.
They also reflect a wider context of economic strain and divided confidence in leadership. The results suggest that the next phase of GenAI adoption will depend not only on the capabilities of the technology but on how organisations support their people during a period of rapid change.
