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Wage Growth and Job Security in the Age of GenAI

A new survey conducted by PwC titled '2025 Global Workforce Hopes and Fears' reveals that individuals who utilize Generative AI (GenAI) daily are reaping substantial rewards in terms of higher productivity, increased job security, and improved salary levels. In contrast, a significant portion of the global workforce finds itself grappling with overwhelming stress in their work environments.

The survey gathered insights from nearly 50,000 employees across 48 major economies and 28 different sectors. The results are clear: daily users of GenAI are markedly more likely to report tangible benefits in productivity (92% versus 58% for occasional users), job security (58% compared to 36%), and salary enhancements (52% against 32%). This disparity highlights the transformational potential of AI in the workplace, as those who engage more consistently with the technology seem to derive greater benefits.

However, despite the evident advantages, only 14% of respondents claim to use GenAI on a daily basis, with just over half (54%) noting any interaction with AI in their roles over the past year. This suggests a significant opportunity for organizations looking to integrate AI more deeply into their operations. The PwC report emphasizes the need for companies to actively support their employees in developing necessary skills to harness the power of AI effectively.

A noticeable disparity in training and development resources arises within the surveyed workforce. While 72% of top executives report having access to sufficient resources for personal development, only 51% of non-managerial employees feel the same way. This gap indicates a pressing need for companies to prioritize equitable access to learning opportunities to enhance the capabilities of their workforce across all levels.

Additional insights reveal that 55% of workers globally face financial difficulties, an increase from 52% in 2024. Moreover, about one-third of workers report feeling overwhelmed at least once a week, with the figure rising significantly among Generation Z employees. Meanwhile, less than half of respondents (43%) received a salary increase in the previous year, highlighting the economic pressures present in today's job market.

Despite these challenges, the survey underscores that employees who feel aligned with their leadership's objectives are significantly more motivated—showing a 78% increase in motivation levels compared to those who do not share this alignment. Nicki Wakefield, PwC’s global leader for clients and industries, states, "GenAI has already proven beneficial for daily users. Workers experience dramatic improvements in productivity, job security, and salary; however, only 14% use it on a daily basis. This is not merely a technological issue but a deeply human one. Workers thrive when they align with leadership goals."

Interestingly, while many organizations are investing in training programs to help their staff adapt to new technologies, the level of success and completeness of these initiatives varies widely. Many employees outside of management roles feel left behind when it comes to pursuing growth and advancement opportunities. The survey results reveal a stark contrast in perceptions of development resources, leading to calls for employers to create a more supportive learning culture. The tech sector, for example, boasts a positive learning culture 65% of workers believe that failure is viewed as an opportunity for growth, a far cry from the 47% in the transportation and logistics sector who feel similarly.

In conclusion, while daily users of GenAI are experiencing meaningful enhancements in their job outcomes, organizations must strive to address the broader challenges they're facing, specifically with regard to equitable access to training and development. As we navigate through a changing financial landscape, companies need to rethink how they engage their workers, ensuring that technology not only serves as a tool for efficiency but also as a catalyst for professional growth and inclusion. By redefining how humans and machines collaborate, we can foster an environment that not only leverages AI’s potential but truly transforms the workplace for the better.