PwC’s 2024 Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey reveals that 28% of workers say they are “very” or “extremely” likely to switch employers in the next 12 months — a higher percentage than in 2022 during the Great Resignation, when 19% of workers responded in the same way.
The survey was conducted in March 2024 and included over 56,000 workers across 50 countries. The results showed that 67% of those who are considering an employer switch say opportunities to learn new skills are a key factor in their decision to stay or leave.
PWC’s study reveals that employees worldwide are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and focusing on long-term skill development to improve their careers and manage rising workloads. The report’s data shows 45% of employees saw a notable increase in their workload over the past year, while 62% observed a faster pace of change at their workplaces.
Only 46% of employees say that their employers provide adequate opportunities to learn new skills. Skills training in AI and generative AI (GenAI) are particularly in demand, as more than 80% of daily users expect the technology to improve their work efficiency in the coming year. Moreover, 49% of all users anticipate that AI will lead to higher salaries.
“As workers face heightened uncertainty, rising workloads and continue to face financial stress, they are prioritizing skills growth and embracing new and emerging technologies such as GenAI to turbocharge their growth and accelerate their careers,” PWC’s Carol Stubbings Global Markets and Tax & Legal Services Leader said. “The findings suggest that job satisfaction is no longer enough. Employees are placing an increased premium on skills growth in a climate characterized by constant technological change. Employers must ensure they are investing in their employees and technological platforms to mitigate employee pressures and retain the brightest talent.”
The percentage of workers with surplus money each month has increased to 45%, up from 38% in 2023. However, financial stress remains prevalent across the global workforce, with 52% of workers saying they still feeling financially strained.
The findings show the importance of employer investment in employee skills and technology to address work-life challenges and retain top talent.
