Nearly half of Irish workers reassess careers as AI reshapes work

A 2026 survey of 1,000 Irish workers by Microsoft Ireland found that 48% changed employers in the past year, up from 38% in 2025, while 47% say AI is influencing their career choices. The nationally representative study highlights a workforce increasingly prioritising flexible skills over fixed roles, with 65% expecting greater demand for adaptable abilities. Workers also report rising burnout, now affecting 44% compared to 39% in 2025, as they navigate evolving job expectations.

The research reveals that 63% of Irish workers now use AI at work, with 57% identifying specific areas where AI agents could assist in their roles. However, only 40% report receiving adequate AI training, and fewer than half say their employer provides the necessary tools or clear leadership guidance. Organisations are struggling to match employee enthusiasm with practical support, risking missed opportunities in productivity and competitiveness.

AI is reshaping career decisions, with 13% of workers willing to switch jobs for better AI tools and 65% treating AI output as a starting point while remaining responsible for final work. Nearly two-thirds of workers (65%) believe AI skills are essential to compete in the jobs market, up from 50% in 2025, and 59% fear falling behind without adaptation. The survey also shows 89% of workers report AI has improved their work quality, though leadership engagement remains low.

Leadership is identified as a critical gap, with 51% of workers saying management is out of touch and fewer than half reporting their managers actively use or encourage AI adoption. Governance challenges persist, as 47% would use free AI tools if employer-provided options were unavailable, while only 51% say their organisation has clear rules on AI tool data entry. The findings underscore the need for organisations to build trust, update policies, and redesign workflows to fully realise AI’s potential.