Microsoft Ireland’s 2024 Work Trend Index Unveils Workforce Shifts and AI Upskilling Demand

Microsoft Ireland has released the 2024 Work Trend Index revealing the highest increase in employee movement across organisations in Ireland in three years. Almost a quarter of the workforce (23%) changed organisation in the last 12 months, compared to 19% in 2023, and 14% in 2022. The top three reasons for changing employers included personal well-being or mental health impact, lack of promotions or raises, and a lack of work-life balance.

Younger workers are big drivers of employee movement, with more than half of Gen Z workers (53%) and more than a third of millennials (33%) leaving their employer in the last year. This trend is set to continue as 52% of this cohort are considering changing organisations in the next 12 months within their industry.
The annual survey, which is now in its third year, was conducted by Amárach Research among almost 700 workers across Ireland in May this year. It provides year-on-year comparisons of the changing trends, experiences, and workplace expectations of workers in Ireland now and into the future.

Additional revenue streams

This year’s Work Trend Index also reveals a new trend – just under half of workers in Ireland are considering opportunities to make extra revenue via a side project or business in the year ahead (42%). This may see even greater competition for employers to retain the interest and exclusivity of workers dedicated to their organisation as workers look for alternate employment solutions and greater autonomy.

Bridge required between in-office and at-home experience

When asked about ways of working, while hybrid working is now commonplace, it is still not without its challenges – suggesting a need for a bridge between the in-office experience and at-home experience. The results show an increase of 5% year-over-year among those feeling isolated, demotivated, and out of touch due to remote working. This sentiment was highest among Gen Z and younger Millennials, among whom 86% found some aspect of hybrid working a challenge.

The future of AI in the workplace

As organisations continue to investigate the transformational potential of AI, the research highlights that knowledge workers in Ireland are less concerned about the impact of AI on their roles (19%), compared to the global average (45%).

More than two thirds of Irish knowledge workers (65%) would accept training in AI if offered by their organisation, and 34% claim having AI skills is critically important to remain competitive in the jobs market. Additionally, more than a quarter feel that knowing how to use AI will help them get a promotion faster (26%).

However, regardless of these acknowledgements by workers in Ireland of the uses and potential value of AI, adoption rates here remain significantly lower than the global average of 75%, standing at just 29%, signifying a distinct lack of access to AI amongst employees despite their openness to the technology.

AI usage is being driven by younger workers, with almost half of under 35s saying they are using AI in their roles. The results are consistent with previous research Microsoft Ireland conducted in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin that identified a shadow AI culture emerging with a growing demand from employees who may be bringing their own AI to work, which may not be aligned to company policy with privacy, security, and data protection controls built in.

Results of the study suggest a considerable proportion of knowledge workers feel their organisation has been too slow in adopting AI, with a declaration by almost half that their workplace should adopt AI to stay competitive (41%). More than half also believe that management has not taken a sufficient position on AI (53%) pointing to an ask of employees for management to better consider ways in which AI solutions could support them.

Commenting on the research findings, Microsoft Ireland Chief Operating Officer, Ronan Geraghty, points to the potential of AI technologies to reshape the employee experience and foster a culture where meaningful work thrives and flexibility reigns.

He said: “For the last three years, workers are saying they are overwhelmed – impacted by poor work-life balance, and for some, a sense of disconnect through hybrid working. This draws a parallel with the increasingly transient nature of our workforce and now an emerging trend of many seeking additional ways of earning income. For employers, there is a need to create a more flexible, inspiring, and compelling employee experience to avoid such retention issues and directly address the concerns that are most impacting workers.

“This is where we believe AI can play a key role. AI is the most transformative technology of our time and can help organisations drastically reduce busy work while supporting workers to focus on the most important, creative tasks – giving back time to spend on high-value, satisfying activities.

Failing to embrace AI risks missing an opportunity to re-engage and invigorate a workforce that is currently grappling with a sense of greener pastures elsewhere. To prepare for AI, training employees is essential, and to help address the skills gap, in October, Microsoft launched a national AI skilling programme designed to Skill Up Ireland, providing every person with the opportunity to develop the skills required to thrive in the era of AI.”