PwC: Workers Divided Into 4 Groups by Automation's Impact

A new PwC survey, the "2026 Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey," indicates that workers are dividing into four distinct groups as artificial intelligence (AI) adoption increases. The study gathered responses from nearly 50,000 workers across 48 countries.

The findings show that 64 percent of respondents used AI tools within the past year, with daily generative AI usage rising to 22 percent. A significant majority of employees anticipate their AI usage will continue to grow in 2027.

Workers were categorized into four groups: "front-runners" (14 percent), possessing scarce skills and strong AI capabilities; "AI insurgents" (18 percent), leveraging AI to enhance their output; "engine room" employees (56 percent), with less scarce skills and further behind on the AI learning curve; and "the indispensibles," who hold valuable experience and skills, thus feeling less pressure to utilize AI.

The survey underscores that unequal access to training is exacerbating differences in employee confidence, job security, and career progression. These divisions among worker groups could potentially create friction within workplaces.