Half of workers reconsidering careers over AI – survey

Almost half of workers say AI is making them reconsider their career path, according to new research from Microsoft.

That is up from 34% in 2025.

Microsoft Ireland’s 2026 Work Trend Index shows that almost half of workers changed employer in the last year, up from 38% in 2025 and 19% in 2023.

The research found that 63% of respondents use AI tools at work, up from 56% last year.

Nine in 10 workers said AI has improved the quality of their work, while more than three quarters view AI as a major economic opportunity for Ireland.

According to the survey, 40% said they have received enough AI training or guidance, and less than half said their employer provides the tools and resources they need.

“Ireland’s workforce is adapting quickly to a changing world of work,” said General Manager at Microsoft Ireland Catherine Doyle.

“People are thinking differently about the skills they need, the career paths they want and the opportunities they expect from their employers.”

“At the same time, there is strong recognition of AI’s potential, both for individual careers and for Ireland’s future competitiveness,” Ms Doyle said.

The Microsoft Ireland Work Trend Index is based on a nationally representative survey of 1,000 workers in Ireland, conducted by 3GEM.