Approximately 28 per cent of the over 56,000 workers surveyed by PwC expressed a high likelihood of leaving their current companies, a rise from 19 per cent in 2022 and 26 per cent in 2023.

The 2024 "Hopes and Fears" survey by PwC revealed that workers are increasingly adopting emerging technologies such as generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and prioritising upskilling in the face of increasing workloads and growing workplace uncertainty.

Pete Brown, PwC UK's global workforce leader, stated that employees place greater value on organisations that invest in their skills development. Therefore, businesses must focus on upskilling and enhancing the employee experience.

The survey found that about 45 per cent of workers have experienced increased workloads and a faster pace of workplace change in the past 12 months, with 62 per cent reporting more change at work in the past year than in the previous 12 months.

Among employees who use GenAI daily, 82 per cent anticipate it will boost their efficiency in the next 12 months. Reflecting their confidence that GenAI opportunities would bolster their career growth, nearly half of those surveyed by PwC expected GenAI to lead to higher salaries, with almost two-thirds hoping these emerging tools will enhance the quality of their work.

Carol Stubbings, PwC UK's global markets and tax and legal services leader, said: "The findings suggest that job satisfaction is no longer sufficient." Stubbings emphasised that employers must invest in their staff and technology platforms to retain talent and alleviate pressures.