DHR Global’s “Workforce Trends Report 2025” surveyed 1,500 white-collar, desk-based knowledge workers across North America, Europe, and Asia to explore AI’s influence in the workplace. The findings highlight enthusiasm and skepticism, underscoring the need for leaders to address fears, provide training, and develop strategies to support employees through this transition.

AI Brings Productivity Gains and Engagement Opportunities

DHR’s research reveals that AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, are already influencing workplace productivity and engagement. Seventy-two percent of respondents said AI has positively affected their productivity, while 70% reported that AI tools have boosted their sense of engagement at work.

Regionally, enthusiasm for AI varies. In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, 84% of respondents reported increased productivity from AI, compared to 71% in Europe and 55% in North America. Similarly, APAC respondents reported the highest levels of AI-driven engagement (80%), compared to North America (61%) and Europe (54%).

These findings point to AI’s ability to streamline workflows and reduce manual tasks, enabling employees to focus on higher-value work. Yet, while AI’s efficiency gains are promising, the survey also highlights complex feelings about the technology’s broader effects.

Balancing Excitement and Fear about AI

Despite AI’s perceived benefits, 51% of respondents expressed concerns about job security, fearing that AI might make their jobs obsolete. Enthusiasm about AI’s potential is tempered by skepticism (17%) and uncertainty (10%). Meanwhile, 21% remained neutral.

Regional differences also emerged. While 60% of APAC respondents worried about job displacement, only 45% of European respondents shared the same concern. In North America, 43% reported job security fears.

This mixed sentiment highlights the need for organizations to provide clear communication and training programs to help employees understand AI’s role. Leaders must address uncertainty proactively, demonstrating how AI can complement human skills rather than replace them.

Embracing AI: Insights from Talent Experts

As AI continues to reshape the workplace, business leaders must focus on educating employees, equipping them with tools, and creating a culture of adaptability. Partners from DHR and Jobplex share strategies for building AI literacy, addressing job security concerns, and preparing teams to thrive in an AI-driven world.

Educate and Equip Employees to Maximize AI Adoption

Sal DiFranco, Managing Partner, Global Advanced Technology Practice

Organizations should prioritize educating employees on AI initiatives and the effects these technologies will have on their businesses. Providing employees with the right tools and training to enhance their skills and job performance will be critical for successful adoption. Companies must focus on equipping employees who embrace AI with the necessary resources to use it effectively and measure its benefits.

Developing a talent roadmap that incorporates diverse backgrounds, skills, and demographics is critical for ensuring organizations have the right talent in place. A team that has varied perspectives will be better equipped to adapt to AI advancements and drive meaningful business outcomes.

Drive Growth Through Communication and Clarity

Mike Lim, Managing Partner, China

The key to success in 2025 and beyond lies in clear communication and meaningful engagement. While this principle has always been important, the rapid advancement of technology and the accelerating pace of growth have made it more urgent than ever. Companies must clearly communicate their strategies and the intent behind new policies and processes to their employees. When employees understand the vision, they’re more likely to stay engaged and aligned with their respective companies’ mission and objectives.

Since the industrial age, technology has displaced jobs and created new opportunities. The key is to continually adapt and evolve alongside technological advancements. Job roles may change, but AI can’t replace human intelligence. As the saying goes, “AI won’t replace you, but a human using AI might.”

Prepare Teams to Embrace AI With Confidence

Connor McKeown, Partner, Jobplex

As companies address mixed feelings about AI, enhancing AI literacy and practical skills through targeted training programs can increase confidence, boost engagement and productivity, and encourage adoption. Transparent communication about AI strategies, the technology’s value, and AI’s role as a partner to employees – not a replacement – can alleviate job security concerns, reduce anxiety, and build trust.

Business leaders can support employees through AI’s rapid advancement by prioritizing upskilling. Redefining roles to emphasize higher-value tasks that create new opportunities can alleviate fears of job displacement and improve workforce satisfaction. Leaders should involve employees in the transition process, offering resources and support to help them adapt to AI-driven changes. Employees need to feel included – not sidelined – as businesses evolve. Providing support and resources for learning can help employees adapt to rapid changes.

Recognizing and rewarding innovative AI uses reinforces engagement and motivates employees to embrace these technologies as tools for growth rather than threats to stability. Transparent communication, ongoing education, and visible support can help businesses turn AI adoption into opportunities for transformation and progress.  

Empower Leaders to Strengthen Agility and Resilience With AI

David Morgenbesser, Partner, Leadership Consulting

With nearly half of the global workforce feeling concerned about AI’s effect on job security, organizations must prioritize clear and transparent communication about their AI adoption strategies. A proven approach is to establish cross-functional AI “champion” teams at multiple levels of leadership and across business units. These teams can provide tailored messaging that highlights AI’s benefits, addresses potential challenges, and delivers role-specific training programs. This personalized approach is often more effective than generic announcements from the C-suite or information technology departments, helping employees feel informed, supported, and prepared.

Drive AI Integration From the Top Down with Communication & Innovation

Tobias Rummeleit, Partner, Germany

Organizations must fully embrace the changes that AI brings, starting with leadership. When employees see executives and board members actively using and supporting AI, they’re more likely to overcome hesitation and adopt it themselves. This mindset and commitment should be clearly communicated, potentially with support from internal corporate communications.

Stories and data resonate with people, and effective communication of both is critical. To help foster a culture open to change and innovation, executives must showcase internal successes, such as new products or improved processes, through newsletters, awards, or presentations. These stories should be paired with measurable business outcomes to demonstrate AI’s value. Encouraging experimentation by allowing room for innovation initiatives, including mistakes, is also important. Groundbreaking advancements rarely happen on the first try.

Leading Through Change with AI Integration

AI is reshaping the world of work, bringing promise and uncertainty. As AI tools continue to increase productivity and engagement, employee anxieties about job security call for proactive approaches that prioritize training, openness, and human-centered leadership. By equipping employees with AI skills and support, businesses can ensure workers are prepared for future challenges and opportunities.