ADP Research's People at Work 2025 Report, sentiments towards the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace remain mixed in Singapore. While AI adoption is increasing, a significant portion of the workforce is still uncertain about its future impact.
The report indicates that approximately 19% of Singaporean workers are unsure how AI will change their jobs in the coming year. While 16% anticipate positive impacts, 11% fear job displacement, suggesting that the workforce is in the early stages of adapting to AI.
Uncertainty among knowledge workers
Feelings of uncertainty are most prevalent among knowledge workers (26%), who are nearly three times more likely to feel unsure about AI’s impact than those in repetitive roles (9%). Younger workers aged 18-26 (23%) are also 2.5 times more likely to express uncertainty compared to older workers aged 55-64 (9%).
"AI is reshaping how Singapore’s workforce sees the future," said Yvonne Teo, vice president of HR, APAC, ADP. "While many recognise AI’s productivity benefits, the uncertainty about its long-term impact on careers remains.
”It is important for employers to clearly communicate AI strategies, invest in upskilling, and foster employees with the right mindsets so they can confidently navigate -- and thrive in -- an AI-driven future.” Yvonne Teo
Mixed feelings dominate
The report uncovers a complex range of emotions about AI's effect on jobs across the globe:
- While 17% of workers strongly agree that AI will positively influence their job in the next year, and 33% agree, overall feelings are mixed. Only 1 in 10 workers strongly agree to feeling scared that AI will replace their job.
- Interestingly, 27% of workers that believe AI will positively impact their jobs also fear that technology might replace them.
- A significant portion of people (44% combined agree/strongly agree) have no idea how AI will change their jobs.
- The Middle East/Africa region shows the highest percentage of workers strongly believing AI will positively influence their job (27%), while Japan and Sweden show the lowest (4% and 6% respectively).
Industry and demographic differences
The report also highlights varying sentiments across different sectors, work types, and demographics:
- Workers in technology services, finance, insurance, and information sectors are more likely to have a positive outlook on AI's impact but also express higher concerns about being replaced.
- Industries heavily reliant on human interactions, such as healthcare and social assistance, express greater concerns about AI's impact.
- Younger workers (18-26 and 27-39) are more likely to show both optimism and concern about AI, considering its long-term effects on their careers. Late-career workers (55+) tend to show more indifference.
- Workers who fear being replaced by technology are twice as likely to report experiencing high stress at work and are more likely to be actively seeking new employment.
