Change is here, but are we ready for it? According to PwC's latest Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey, over half of workers feel overwhelmed by the amount of change happening in their workplaces. Despite these challenges, many remain optimistic, eager to adapt and ready to embrace new technologies such as generative AI (GenAI) to improve efficiency, reports esgnews.com.
Workers' readiness for change comes with mixed feelings. More than half of employees surveyed feel optimistic about the future of their company amid recent changes, but 44% don't understand why these changes are necessary. This confusion underscores the importance of clear communication from management about the reasons for the transformation.
"Employees are willing to adapt, but they need to understand the 'what's behind' the changes. Leaders must bridge this gap to foster a workforce that is not only compliant, but actively engaged in driving change." the study found.
Transformational Leadership
Leadership plays a critical role in guiding employees through periods of intense change. Two-thirds of employees experienced more job changes in the past year than in previous years. This constant flux can lead to change fatigue, impacting productivity and morale. To counter this, leaders must focus on building resilience.
“It is essential that leaders recognize the changes stress can bring and prioritize well-being as a core value in their organization. Creating a culture that promotes work-life balance, setting realistic expectations and open communication can help maintain employee morale and performance,” the study states.
Empowerment through GenAI
GenAI provides significant opportunities for innovation and efficiency, but its adoption remains limited. While 61% of workers have used GenAI at least once in the past year, daily or weekly use is much less common. To fully exploit the potential of GenAI, leaders must encourage experimentation and provide the necessary training.
“Employees and CEOs agree on the need to reduce inefficiencies, but they need the right tools and skills to do so. Providing access to GenAI and fostering a culture of innovation can empower employees to explore new ways of working, driving both personal and organizational growth,” the study notes.
Upskilling of employees
Building skills is a top priority for today's workforce. Nearly half of employees see opportunities to learn new skills as a deciding factor in staying with their current employer. However, only 46% believe their employers provide adequate opportunities for upskilling, highlighting a significant area for improvement.
“Upskilling is not just an advantage, it's a necessity. "Employers who invest in comprehensive skills development programs can increase satisfaction while preparing their workforce for future challenges," the study highlights.
A positive employee experience is critical to maintaining engagement and productivity. Yet many workers feel a disconnect between what they need—like fair pay, flexibility, and fulfilling work—and what they get. Addressing these gaps can significantly improve employee morale and performance.
“Fair pay, flexibility and purpose at work are highly valued. Leaders must strive to meet these needs to maintain a motivated and productive workforce,” according to the study.
Change is inevitable, but its success depends on how well leaders engage their workforce. Through clear communication, empowering innovation, investing in skills and prioritizing employee experience, leaders can build a sustainable, engaged workforce ready to navigate the future together.