Half of workers in Ireland considering new career path due to rise of AI, study shows

Nearly half of workers in Ireland are considering a new career path as AI changes the future of work, a new study finds.

Microsoft Ireland carried out the study, which revealed a workforce focused on future-ready skills, career paths, and what it expects from employers.

Almost half of respondents say the rise of AI is making them consider a different career path, up significantly from 34% in 2025 to 47%. It also found that three in four people believe that those with broad skills will become more valuable.

The survey found that workers are embracing AI use generally. AI use at work is rising to 63%, and 57% of workers identify where AI agents can help in their role.

However, only 40% say that they have received enough AI training or guidance, and only 44% believe that their employer provides the resources and tools that they need when it comes to AI.

This suggests Ireland may need to work harder in helping organisations translate enthusiasm for AI into practical capability, trusted adoption and business value.

Commenting on the findings, Catherine Doyle, General Manager at Microsoft Ireland, said: “Ireland's workforce is adapting quickly to a changing world of work. 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.

"What is particularly encouraging is that workers are not waiting on the sidelines. They're developing new future-ready skills and exploring how AI can help them in their current and future roles. The challenge now is whether organisations can keep pace with this momentum.

"The next phase is about turning AI adoption into meaningful value by building organisational capability and trust, strengthening governance and security, and redesigning work around better outcomes. The organisations that get this right will be better placed to create meaningful value for their people, customers and the wider economy.”