ADP survey: fewer than one-third of global workers feel their jobs are secure

• Job security concerns are universal: no market surveyed had a majority of workers feeling confident their jobs were safe, with the U.S. at 28% and U.K. at 25%
• Unpaid work is pervasive across all levels, with 62% working up to 5 unpaid hours weekly and half of upper management working at least 6 unpaid hours per week
• Daily AI users are 4 times more likely to report feeling less productive than non-users, yet show 30% full engagement compared to only 14% among workers who never use AI
• Skills investment drives engagement dramatically: 53% of workers who feel their employer invests in them are fully engaged versus only 12% where that support is lacking

Summary: ADP Global Workforce Survey Reveals Widespread Job Insecurity

Key Findings:

ADP's "People at Work 2026" report surveyed over 39,000 workers across 36 markets in 2025, revealing significant workplace concerns despite historically low global unemployment.

Job Security Crisis:

Only 22% of workers globally strongly agreed their jobs were secure from elimination. No surveyed market had a majority feeling confident about job safety. The U.S. showed 28% confidence while the U.K. registered just 25%, with Nigeria reporting the highest rates.

Unpaid Work Epidemic:

• 62% of workers globally work up to 5 unpaid hours weekly
• 26% report 6-15 unpaid hours
• 12% work 16+ unpaid hours per week
• Senior leaders most affected: 50% of upper management/C-suite work at least 6 unpaid hours weekly; 20% work 16+ unpaid hours

Workers logging excessive unpaid hours paradoxically showed high engagement but reported lower productivity, reduced well-being, and increased job-seeking behavior.

AI Adoption Paradox:

Daily AI users were four times more likely than non-users to feel less productive, though they reported higher engagement (30% vs. 14%), reduced stress, and more positive team dynamics.

Engagement Challenge:

Only 19% of workers globally were fully engaged in 2025, varying by region:

• Highest: Brazil (29%), Middle East/Africa (25%)
• Lowest: China (11%), Asia-Pacific (15%)

Market Implications:

The data suggests potential productivity concerns and retention challenges for employers. Companies investing in employee skills development saw engagement rates jump to 53% versus 12% without such support, indicating clear ROI opportunities in workforce development programs.