22% of Hong Kong workers use GenAI daily, compared to APAC average of 29%

• Job security has risen as the top concern for Hong Kong workers amidst technological advancement.
• AI adoption is growing steadily, with 61% using AI at work and strong gains reported in productivity and work quality.
• Despite mixed emotions toward AI and varying generational responses, severe negative emotions remain low, with only 22% expressing worry.

Amidst rapid technological advancement, ongoing economic uncertainties, and shifting work expectations, job security has become a top priority for Hong Kong job seekers and employees, according to PwC’s Hong Kong Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2025.

Having surveyed 1,061 participants from Hong Kong as part of a global study of 49,843 workers, the research examines the growing impact of AI on work and the wellbeing challenges employees are navigating.

Automation and AI move to the forefront of business operations

The survey found that 61% of Hong Kong respondents are using AI at work, closely aligning with the Asia Pacific average (64%) and surpassing the global average (54%).

The top three job functions utilising AI in Hong Kong over the past year are:

• Information technology (IT)
• Business strategy
• Research & development (R&D)

Meanwhile, 22% of Hong Kong workers use GenAI daily, slightly below the Asia Pacific average (29%) and the global average (25%), though more participants in Hong Kong report infrequent use of AI. Agentic AI remains relatively underutilised across all regions.

Among those who use AI, the majority report strong benefits:

• 77% said AI has increased their productivity
• 75% said it has helped enhance the quality of their work

However, fewer workers feel that AI directly supports their own job stability:

• only 24% reported greater job security
• just 19% linked AI use to salary increases

Sentiment toward AI is mixed but leans positive. A quarter (25%) feel excited, and 36% feel curious – both signs of optimism. In contrast, 16% reported confusion, and 22% expressed worry.

Generational differences are also evident:

• Gen X tends to be less enthusiastic and steadier in their reactions
• Millennials are generally more positive
• Gen Z shows increased confusion and worry

Work motivation and meaning

When considering how they feel at work, 32% of Hong Kong respondents said they feel enthusiastic, while 34% feel proud.

Despite fewer than half feeling satisfied at work (40%), reports of more severe negative emotions are lower:

• only 16% said they feel overwhelmed
• just 18% reported feeling anger

Gen Z participants stand out for their optimism about making a positive impact in their work.

Job security takes priority over pay and promotions

Expectations for pay rises or promotions have softened in 2025. Only 16% of respondents said they plan to look for a new job in the next year, suggesting a stronger desire for stability and job security.

Hong Kong workers also anticipate considerable changes in their roles in the coming years:

• 44% expected customer preference shifts to significantly impact their jobs
• 40% anticipated major impact from technological advances and competitive actions

Workers who use AI more frequently believe technological changes will reshape their roles even more, signalling a continued acceleration in workplace transformation.

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