Signal File: how employees are preparing for the future
From uneven AI access to rising financial anxiety and declining trust, this week’s signals reveal a workforce navigating progress without support
In our final Signal File roundup of 2025, we look at the signals pointing to a workforce which is navigating uneven progress and growing uncertainty. AI adoption is accelerating, but access remains fragmented across regions and roles. At the same time, long-term security is under strain, from retirement confidence gaps to eroding trust in leadership. Together, these shifts highlight a widening divide between optimism and preparedness – and the organisational choices that will determine which side employees fall on.
Africa leads on workplace AI adoption
PwC data shows 64% of African workers used AI in the past year, compared with a global average of 54%. While daily use remains limited, optimism is strong: most workers say AI is improving work quality and expect productivity gains. A young, digitally fluent workforce and strong managerial support are accelerating adoption.
In action: Invest in AI upskilling where workforce readiness and momentum already exist, not only in established tech markets.
AI adoption splits along job lines
Gallup data shows workplace AI use is rising, but unevenly distributed across roles. While 45% of workers now use AI at least occasionally, adoption is concentrated in knowledge roles, particularly tech, finance and professional services, and among senior employees. Daily use remains limited at 10%, highlighting a widening gap between who can access AI and who cannot.
In action: Treat AI access as a job design issue, expand tools and training beyond knowledge workers to avoid creating a two-tier workforce.
Retirement optimism masks financial anxiety
A new study finds that while nearly 70% of employees feel optimistic about retirement, around 60% expect to outlive their savings. The gap points to a growing disconnect between emotional confidence and financial preparedness, as longer life expectancy, inflation and market volatility reshape retirement expectations.
In action: Reframe retirement benefits around longevity, combining financial planning, flexibility and later-life work options to support longer careers.
Trust in workplace leadership continues to erode
New analysis from Harvard Business Review shows most employees do not trust their senior leaders, citing weak communication, limited transparency and inconsistent behaviour. In a climate of economic uncertainty and constant change, this trust deficit is becoming a structural risk, undermining engagement, resilience and organisational stability at precisely the moment leadership credibility matters most.
In action: Treat trust as a leadership capability – prioritise clear communication, follow-through and visible decision-making to rebuild confidence across the workforce.
