{
  "id": 10652537,
  "title": "PwC: Global employees more concerned about economic volatility than AI",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/pwc-global-employees-more-concerned-about-economic-volatility-than-ai",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-09-29T08:50:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Silicon Republic",
    "slug": "silicon-republic",
    "url": "https://www.siliconrepublic.com/careers/global-employees-concerned-economic-volatility-ai-pwc"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "PwC's latest research reveals that global employees are more apprehensive about economic instability than the potential job displacement caused by AI. Commissioned by professional services firm PwC, the '2026 Workforce Hopes and Fears' survey polled nearly 50,000 employees across the globe, with a focus on Ireland. Among the findings is a startling 57% of respondents believing economic turbulence poses a greater threat to their job security, compared to 44% who expressed similar concerns about AI. Irish employees echoed these sentiments, with 45% citing economic volatility as the primary concern. However, the survey also highlights that many face significant challenges, with only 34% of global participants and 26% of Irish workers reporting having enough savings to cover monthly expenses after bills. This financial strain is exacerbated by rising living costs, with 66% of Irish participants and 62% of the global workforce stating that cost of living concerns have affected their work performance, motivation, and relationships with colleagues. The report also underscores the rapid pace of change in the workplace, with over a quarter of respondents feeling they have less bargaining power compared to three years ago. Despite these pressures, many are adapting to new roles, with 40% of global contributors and 27% of Irish workers reporting a significant increase in workload. The survey suggests that burnout is a growing issue, impacting productivity for almost one-third of Irish workers and 27% of global employees. Notably, nearly 20% of global participants and 22% of Irish employees plan to seek new employment in the coming year. Laoise Mullane, PwC Ireland's director of workforce consulting and AI adoption lead, emphasizes the need for leaders to capitalize on the confidence and optimism found among AI adopters while ensuring no one is left behind in the digital transformation process.",
  "summary": "The report found that, while the potential for AI to eliminate jobs is a risk, the global workforce is more likely to fear the impact of instability on job security. Read more: PwC: Global employees more concerned about economic volatility than AI",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}