Nearly 60% of workers feeling financial strain

PwC’s latest Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey also found that AI use remains 'low'

PwC's Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey found just over one-third, 36%, of respondents said they feel overwhelmed at work at least once a week. File photo

A majority of the Irish workforce are experiencing financial strain, with just 45% saying they received a pay rise in the last year, a new survey from consultancy firm PwC shows.

According to the company’s latest Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey, 59% of the Irish workforce is experiencing financial strain with just over one-third, 36%, saying that they feel overwhelmed at work at least once a week.

It found that 45% of workers received a pay rise in the last year, with just 11% receiving a promotion.

“Perhaps reflecting a tougher economic context, 34% will ask for a pay rise in the next 12 months and 24% will seek a promotion,” PwC said.

Despite the high number reporting financial pressures, 64% said they feel satisfied with their work at least once a week but “there are also signs of stress”.

“Only 45% of the Irish workforce feels strongly optimistic about the future of their roles. Trust in top management is also divided — with only 58% noting they understand their organisation’s goals,” PwC said.

The survey also asked respondents questions about the deployment of AI in the workplace and its impact.

As part of this global workforce survey, PwC surveyed 49,843 workers across 48 countries and regions, including 1,018 workers in Ireland.

AI use

It found that only 10% of Irish workers are using generative AI tools daily while 43% say they have used AI for their role in the past 12 months.

Of these, 67% of AI users in Ireland said they see higher productivity and 64% said they see higher quality of work.

PwC said “frequent utilisation rates” of AI remains “low”, with the company suggesting that there is “ample opportunity for growth”.

The survey found that just 57% have access to the learning and development resources they need at work.

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

“Just 57% of Irish respondents reported to have access to the resources they need for learning and development at work, compared to 59% globally.”