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The Optimistic Case for the Future of Work

Key findings from PwC's Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey 2025

Dr. Aubrey Escobar

Dr. Aubrey Escobar  ·  Clairant

PwC surveyed nearly 50,000 workers across 48 economies and 28 sectors. The data tells an optimistic story about AI adoption, but it also reveals what actually drives workforce motivation: trust, alignment, meaningful work, and skill pathways. Here is what stood out.

PwC Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey 2025 · ~50,000 respondents · 48 economies

The Optimistic Case for
the Future of Work

Workers are twice as likely to be curious or excited about AI as they are worried. Those who use it daily see the biggest gains, and the trajectory is accelerating.

AI Adoption Is Accelerating

AI usage is climbing. 54% of workers have now used AI on the job, with daily GenAI use projected to accelerate as tools mature and upskilling expands.

54%
Used AI at work (2025)
75%
AI users see productivity gains
90%
Daily users expect further upside
2023202420252026P2027P2028P0%25%50%75%100%
Workers using AIDaily GenAI usersP = Projected
Key insight: Workers with AI skills now earn a 56% wage premium over peers in the same occupation without AI skills, more than double the gap from 2024. The economic case for adoption is becoming undeniable.
Source: PwC Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey 2025 · Projections (P) extrapolated from trend dataVisualization by Clairant

Data source: PwC Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey 2025. ~50,000 respondents across 48 economies and 28 sectors. Projections (P) extrapolated from trend data. Analysis and visualization by Clairant.

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