AI use rises across Irish workplaces as skills gap deepens

New research finds AI use rising across Irish workplaces, but access to training is falling as workers face burnout, cost-of-living pressures and rapid change.

The use of artificial intelligence in Irish workplaces has continued to grow, but a widening skills gap risks leaving many workers behind, according to PwC Ireland’s 2026 Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey.

The study, which surveyed 1,004 workers in Ireland as part of a global survey of more than 49,000 employees across 48 countries and regions, found that AI adoption is increasing across the workforce. However, access to learning and development resources has fallen significantly at a time when workers face mounting pressure from rising workloads, workplace change and cost-of-living challenges.

More than half of Irish workers (51%) said they had used AI at work during the past 12 months, up from 43% a year earlier. Despite this growth, Ireland remains behind the global average of 64%.

The proportion of Irish workers using generative AI tools daily also increased, rising from 10% in 2025 to 15% this year. Daily use of AI agents remains relatively low at 6%, although that figure has doubled from 3% last year.

The survey highlights growing concerns around workforce readiness. Less than half of Irish workers (45%) said they have access to the learning and development resources they need, down sharply from 57% last year. At the same time, 56% expressed confidence in their ability to learn new skills.

Laoise Mullane, Director of Workforce Consulting and AI Adoption Lead at PwC Ireland, said organisations must ensure technological progress benefits all employees.

“At a time when Irish and global workers are feeling the pressure of heavier workloads and constant change, those using AI regularly are reporting higher levels of confidence, ambition and optimism. The leadership challenge is to build on that momentum without creating a divide between those who are forging ahead with AI and those who risk being left behind, ensuring the benefits of AI are felt across the workforce.”

Daily AI usage

A similar study found that AI has become part of everyday working life, but employees are adopting the technology faster than employers are adapting their training, governance and workforce strategies, according to Morgan McKinley’s 2026 Global AI Report. The study found that 62% of employees use AI daily at work and another 15% use it weekly, with chatbots the most popular application.

While 55% of employers reported operational improvements from AI, nearly half of employees use personal AI accounts for work and only 25% believe their employer is investing adequately in AI development. Concerns around data privacy, cybersecurity and regulatory compliance continue to slow wider adoption.

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The report also highlights growing tensions around AI’s impact on jobs and recruitment. Almost half of employees (46%) fear AI could replace their role, despite only 7% of employers reporting headcount reductions. In hiring, 78% of candidates globally use generative AI during their job search, but many remain wary of being assessed by AI. Irish candidates are among the most sceptical, with 35% saying AI screening would make them significantly less likely to apply for a role and 32% saying they do not trust AI in recruitment decisions.

Morgan McKinley said employers will need stronger governance, better training and greater transparency to maintain trust as AI becomes increasingly embedded in the workplace.

“The global talent landscape is changing quickly, and AI is the biggest catalyst we are seeing,” said Trayc Keevans, global director and head of Research & Foreign Direct Investment at Morgan McKinley. “It has moved beyond the experimental phase into daily working life, while workforce strategy has not advanced at the same pace.

“Employees are developing AI skills on their own time and using personal accounts for work, even as employers report operational benefits. The next phase of adoption will depend on whether organisations ca opporn turn that individual initiative into workforce capability, supported by meaningful training and governance that employees understand and can apply.”

Cost-of-living concerns weigh heavily on workers

The PwC research found that financial pressures are having a growing impact on employees.

Just 26% of Irish workers reported having money left over after paying their bills at the end of the month, down 13 percentage points year-on-year. Two-thirds (66%) said cost-of-living pressures had affected their work during the past year, influencing factors such as motivation, relationships with colleagues and their physical ability to work.

A quarter of respondents (25%) said they have significantly less bargaining power than they had three years ago.

Workplace change is also accelerating. More than half (55%) of workers who experienced change in their organisation said there had been more change in the past year than in previous years. Almost one-third (29%) said burnout or fatigue was limiting their productivity.

Despite these pressures, confidence in employment prospects remains relatively strong. More than half (57%) said they were very confident about their job security.

When asked about the biggest threats to their future employment, economic volatility ranked ahead of AI. Some 45% identified economic uncertainty as a key risk, while 41% pointed to AI taking on more workplace tasks.

The survey also found a mobile workforce, with 22% of respondents saying they were extremely or very likely to change employer within the next year. More than one-third (34%) are seeking a pay rise, while 28% said they are likely to pursue a promotion.

AI users report greater confidence and optimism

Workers already using AI are reporting significant benefits.

Nearly half (47%) expect their use of AI tools to increase over the next 12 months. Among this group, respondents were more than four times as likely to say AI makes them feel energised and empowered rather than tired and powerless. They were also more than twice as likely to feel confident rather than fearful about the technology.

Among workers who used AI during the past year, 62% said it improved the quality of their work, 58% said it enhanced their creativity and 49% believed it increased their value to their employer.

Looking ahead, more than one-quarter (27%) of Irish workers expect AI to completely or significantly transform their role within the next three years.

Ready to adapt, but needing support

The survey suggests Irish workers are willing to embrace change.

Almost three-quarters (73%) said they feel ready to adapt to new ways of working, while 68% said they understand the skills they will need in the future.

However, PwC said confidence alone is not enough if employees lack the time, support and resources needed to develop those skills.

Rebecca McCann, Senior Manager in Workforce Consulting at PwC Ireland, said employers have a critical role to play in helping workers translate readiness into progress.

“The positive message is that Irish workers are ready to adapt. The challenge is turning that readiness into action. Employers need to give people the time, practical support and development opportunities to learn, experiment and participate in change. By investing in technology and workforce capability together, organisations will be better placed to translate AI adoption into meaningful value.”

PwC said employers can help by embedding learning into day-to-day work, protecting time for skills development, reviewing workloads and ensuring managers are equipped to support employees through periods of rapid change.