Half of workers reconsidering careers over AI - survey

A recent survey by Microsoft has revealed that nearly half of workers are rethinking their career paths due to the rise of artificial intelligence. The Microsoft Ireland Work Trend Index, based on a nationwide poll of 1,000 Irish workers, shows a significant shift in attitudes towards AI and its impact on the job market. The research found that 63% of respondents currently use AI tools in their jobs, up from 56% last year.

Despite this growing adoption, only 40% of workers reported receiving adequate AI training or guidance, and fewer than half felt their employers provided the necessary tools and resources.

The survey also highlighted that 90% of workers believe AI has improved the quality of their work, while 77% view AI as a major economic opportunity for Ireland. However, the findings suggest that employees are becoming more selective about their career choices, with 40% of respondents mentioning that they changed employers within the past year. This trend marks a stark contrast to the 38% of workers who changed jobs in 2025 and the 19% who did so in 2023.

General Manager at Microsoft Ireland, Catherine Doyle, commented on the workforce's rapid adaptation to the evolving nature of work. Ms Doyle noted that people are reevaluating the skills they require, the career paths they aspire to pursue, and the expectations they have from their employers. She emphasized that while there is a strong recognition of AI's potential benefits for individual careers and Ireland's overall competitiveness, there is still a need for better support in terms of training and resources.