Daily users of generative artificial intelligence are more likely to see tangible benefits to job satisfaction, productivity and salary than infrequent users, according to a new PwC survey.

Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content such as text, images, music and code in response to a prompt.

PwC’s newly released 2025 Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey found that regular users of the technology were more optimistic about the future of their roles in the next year (69 per cent), compared with 51 per cent of infrequent AI users and 44 per cent of non-users.

Researchers interviewed nearly 50,000 workers globally across 48 major economies and 28 sectors.

Daily users represented only 14 per cent of the global workforce, with only half of respondents saying they had used AI at all in their role in the last year.

The survey also discovered that a third of the global workforce regularly felt overwhelmed at least once a week, with 55 per cent experiencing financial strain, up 3 per cent compared with last year.

The report pointed out an upskilling divide, with 51 per cent of non-managers feeling they had the resources needed for learning and development, compared with 72 per cent of senior executives.

Megan Green, human capital leader and partner, PwC Bermuda, said organisations need to move beyond focusing only on training.

“The nature of work must be redesigned, including the collaboration between humans and machines,” she said. “Successfully doing so will decide if Gen AI serves as a genuine driver of growth and transformation.”

She said realising AI’s promise means reimagining work with practical examples, clear rules and support.

“Ultimately, this is about people, not just technology,” she said.

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 is 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.”

While 70 per cent of survey participants felt satisfied with their work at least once a week, there were also signs of stress.

Only 53 per cent of the global workforce feel strongly optimistic about the future of their roles, with non-managers, 43 per cent, trailing far behind senior executives, 72 per cent.

Trust in top management is also divided — with only 64 per cent noting they understand their organisation’s goals. These percentages are lower among non-managers and Gen Z, workers born between 1997 and 2012.