PwC Survey: Employees Feel Impact of Rapid Changes in Asia Pacific Workplaces

The rapid pace of change in workplaces across the Asia Pacific is becoming increasingly evident, as highlighted in this year’s Hopes and Fears survey, which gathered insights from 19,500 workers in 14 territories. Employees are beginning to feel the strain of these transformations.

According to PwC’s 27th Annual Global CEO Survey, 97% of CEOs in the Philippines have undertaken significant steps over the past five years to innovate how their organizations operate to stay competitive. This has not gone unnoticed by employees, with 69% noting they have experienced more changes in the past year compared to the previous 12 months.

Filipino workers have mixed feelings about these changes. While 89% feel prepared to adapt to new working methods, 59% believe there is an overwhelming amount of change occurring simultaneously. The most significant changes reported include the introduction of new tools and technologies (49%), increased workloads (45%), and alterations in team structures (38%).

The necessity for upskilling is more critical than ever, with 68% of workers expecting the required skills for their jobs to evolve within the next five years. This need for continuous learning is a major factor for employees when considering job changes, with nearly half (47%) indicating that opportunities for skill development influence their decision to stay with or leave an employer.

This underscores the importance of ongoing learning opportunities in retaining talent, as employees increasingly value employers who invest in their professional development. Companies lacking robust upskilling programs may face higher turnover rates and difficulties in attracting top talent in a competitive market.

One area of significant change is the integration of Generative AI (GenAI). While 70% of employees have used GenAI tools at least once, regular use remains limited, with only 28% using them weekly or daily and another 28% never having used these tools at all. Reasons for not using GenAI include a lack of opportunities to use the technology, doubts about its career benefits, lack of knowledge on how to use the tools, and insufficient access provided by employers.

Health and safety concerns are also prominent, with 67% of employees worried about new risks such as heat stress, air pollution, and hazardous working conditions. This sense of employer responsibility has increased significantly, surpassing the global average of 44%.

Employees are urging their employers to proactively address climate change, with 71% globally believing that employers should minimize their environmental impact. They expect companies to adopt sustainable practices such as reducing carbon footprints, improving waste management, and using renewable energy sources. By implementing these measures, employers can contribute to global environmental efforts and enhance their reputation, leading to a more engaged and motivated workforce.

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