A majority of Filipino professionals believe that artificial intelligence will have a profound impact on the workplace, with three out of five feeling overwhelmed with the disruptive technology, and seven out of 10 (69 percent) are keen to learn more about it and appear to have an open mind accepting the shift.

A study by the professional network LinkedIn showed that 76 percent anticipated a "significant" change to their jobs next year due to AI, some segments expressing uncertainty, with about four in 10 (41 percent) professionals worried they would not be able to keep up with AI developments sweeping through the workplace.

LinkedIn Philippines country lead and head of growth, Atul Harkisanka, commented, "This is undoubtedly an era of change with generative AI gaining more prominence in the workplace. It is encouraging to see professionals focus on the positives that AI can bring to their working lives. We can sense the interest and excitement among Filipino professionals in leveraging AI to help them win their career progression with faster access to knowledge and insights, unlock new levels of productivity, aid with work problems, and cultivate better work-life balance."

Curiously, more than half, or 55 percent of those surveyed, admitted to using generative AI in their jobs, with 47 percent of professionals trying out generative AI tools like ChatGPT. Millennials and GenZ professionals are leading the usage of Chat GPT at 46 percent.

Filipinos are demonstrating more significant curiosity and enthusiasm for the future, with 59 percent of professionals saying they are worried that they should know more about AI. This need to appear "in the know" might stem from over one in two (54 percent) believing their colleagues are better versed in AI than they are.

Harkisanka added, "Our study shows that over eight in 10 (85 percent) professionals in the Philippines believe it is likely that AI will be an 'invisible teammate' in the next five years. With their time freed up, many are looking to invest in themselves by learning new skills, focusing on more creative and strategic work, and growing their professional network — all potent career boosters."

Endless possibilities

Filipinos are optimistic that AI will positively transform their careers, with almost all (97 percent) saying they are excited to use AI at work and believe it will help them progress (95 percent).

Filipino professionals believe AI will contribute to more equitable career opportunities for the local workforce. Over half (55 percent) say that AI will create more job opportunities outside metro cities because more can actively upskill in AI and leverage AI resources to work remotely. One in two also say that AI-related skills will allow them to be more level playing with other professionals despite their educational qualifications.

LinkedIn data shows a 21x global increase in English-language jobs since November 2022, mentioning new generative AI technologies such as Chat GPT, demonstrating that AI may be essential for those looking to develop their careers.

When asked how they think AI will help move their career forward, almost seven in 10 (69 percent) professionals in the Philippines say it would make them more confident at work by giving them faster access to knowledge. In comparison, 39 percent said AI would help suggest what skills or training they need.

Many are already thinking of ways it can help them be more productive, with over eight in 10 (81 percent) planning to use AI to solve problems or overcome obstacles at work. Around seven in 10 (77 percent) say that it will spare them the blushes as they will leverage AI tools to help them with the questions they are too embarrassed to ask their colleagues, and 71 percent say it will take tedious tasks off their plates, so they can focus on work that excites them the most. Over six in 10 professionals (65 percent) have progression on their mind as they plan to use it for career advice.

Soft skills and AI skills

Professionals believe AI will boost access to the proper knowledge and skill sets they need and spotlight the irreplaceable value of their human skills in career advancement. Professionals in the Philippines think skills like problem-solving (77 percent), creativity (77 percent), and communication (76 percent) will become more critical as AI tools become more widely used at work.

As AI can take away some of the struggles of their daily jobs, professionals hope to have more job satisfaction and lead an improved quality of life. More than half of the Philippines' workforce believes AI can make their jobs easier, increasing job satisfaction (62 percent) and helping them achieve more outstanding work-life balance (57 percent). Professionals are keen to invest their time in learning new job skills (51 percent) and strengthening their professional networks (39 percent).