Cash-strapped workers have moved salary levels to the top of their priority list as workplaces begin to stabilise after the pandemic upheaval.
The latest global workplace survey by the ADP Research Institute revealed an emerging “skills confidence gap” as artificial intelligence continues its march through organisations.
Young people were also becoming a louder voice in the workplace, and most of this group were expecting employment flexibility as a “given”.
The survey, involving more than 34,000 workers in 18 countries, found 74 percent of people regularly worked unpaid overtime, with 37 percent doing six to 10 hours a week.
For the fourth year in a row, salary was one of the priorities for workers.
“In 2023, the average pay increase was 4 percent according to our survey,” the survey report said.
“In 2024, workers anticipate pay increases of more than 5 percent on average. But if 2023 is any measure, people are likely to be disappointed. Survey respondents in every country overestimated their pay gains that year.”
ADP said their survey work “illuminated the world’s journey through a deep economic downturn, the subsequent cost-of-living crisis and monumental change tied to remote and hybrid work”.
It said the world was now shaking off its pandemic-driven upheaval, but change had not slowed.
“Young workers, moreover, are making their presence known as a distinct global voice,” the survey report said.
“One in five prioritise training and experience, more than any other age group.
“While they want flexibility to do their work where and when they choose, young adults prioritise workplace flexibility less than other job attributes, possibly because they’ve grown to accept it as a given.”
The survey found people felt more secure in their jobs but were becoming uneasy about other changes, including artificial intelligence and remote work.
Workers also believed that remote and flexible work arrangements had come with a downside because their organisations were monitoring them more closely.
“Less than half of workers feel their employer invests in the skills they need to advance their careers,” the report said.
“And almost half say the skillsets of the future will require technological knowledge that isn’t needed in their jobs today. Forty-two percent of workers globally think AI will replace some or all of their job functions.
“Taken together, these results point to a skills confidence gap. Workers don’t trust that their employers are investing in their careers.”
The full report is on the ADP website.
