Optimism is perceived by 26% of workers in the country
A new global study from ADP Research, the research center of ADP, reveals that Brazil leads Latin America in optimism regarding the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the workplace. The survey, which interviewed 38,000 workers across six continents, indicates that 261% of Brazilians believe that AI will have a positive effect on their tasks and responsibilities in the coming year, a percentage above the regional average of 191%. The survey is part of the People at Work 2025, which seeks to understand, from the perspective of employees themselves, how technology is shaping the future of work.
Despite the largely positive outlook, the study also reveals that AI generates mixed feelings among professionals. In Brazil, 101% of workers fear being replaced by technology, while 121% still don't know how it might affect their jobs. These levels of concern and uncertainty are in line with the Latin American average and reinforce the need for clear actions by companies to mitigate insecurities and prepare teams for technological transformations.
Across the globe, the presence of AI in the corporate environment represents more than an operational change. For employees, it's an emotional transformation. Companies that recognize this impact, commit to training employees in the use of the technology, and clearly communicate how it will be integrated into daily operations are better prepared to build resilient, future-ready teams.
One of the highlights of the survey is the relationship between perceptions of AI and talent retention: among Brazilians who fear being replaced by machines, 30% are actively seeking new job opportunities. Among those who don't have this concern, only 16% demonstrate the same behavior, indicating that insecurity may be a determining factor in increased turnover in companies.
The study also noted significant differences between generations. Younger workers are more optimistic about the potential of technology: 30% of professionals aged 18 to 26 believe it will have a positive impact on their work. Among those aged 27 to 39, this figure is 28%; among those aged 40 to 54, 23%; and among those over 55, 20%. On the other hand, fear of replacement is also more prevalent among younger workers, with 13% in the 18 to 26 age group and 11% in the 27 to 39 age group. This suggests that, despite their optimism, young people feel the pressure of change more.
Professional qualifications also influence how AI is perceived. Among so-called "knowledge workers," 23% see a positive impact. Among skilled task professionals, the figure is 19%, and among those performing cyclical or repetitive tasks, 16%.
In the sector-by-sector analysis, which covers all of Latin America, the technology and finance sectors stand out as the most optimistic. Approximately 261% of respondents in the technology sector believe AI will have a positive impact on their jobs, followed by 231% in the finance and insurance sector.
In contrast, the survey shows that the most fearful sectors are Technology Services and Mining, oil and gas extraction, where 13% and 24% of workers, respectively, fear being replaced by AI in the region. In healthcare and social assistance, the number of optimists drops to 15%.
The survey reinforces that, although Artificial Intelligence is widely seen as an ally in the corporate environment, the path to transformation requires preparation, active listening, and clear strategies from companies. In a rapidly evolving scenario, leading with empathy and planning will be essential to building a workforce ready for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Methodology of the “People at Work 2025” Report Series
The 'People at Work 2025' report series is based on the ADP Research Global Workforce Survey, a robust study conducted regularly since 2015. The survey, designed by ADP Research's analyst team, gathers information about the labor market from the perspective of workers themselves, providing insights that can improve the world of work through a better understanding of worker sentiment and expectations.
Based on survey data from nearly 38,000 workers in 34 markets across six continents, “People at Work 2025” presents a representative sample of the global workforce to provide regional and market-by-market comparisons of worker sentiment in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and North America.
The interviewees come from a wide variety of industries, educational backgrounds, in-person and remote work environments, and skill sets. They represent a range of management and individual contribution positions, working for employers of all sizes.
A unique attribute of the “People at Work 2025” report series is its granular measurement of worker sentiment across worker types, using a proprietary methodology developed by ADP Research. In addition to employer demographics, survey respondents are classified by the type of work they perform—knowledge, skilled, or cyclical—regardless of industry.
People at Work's ability to capture sentiment across these different worker and geographic dimensions provides employers with a refined, granular view of the global workforce that they can leverage to better understand their teams and drive growth through data-driven talent decisions.
Each report will combine global trends with market-by-market insights on workplace topics ranging from artificial intelligence and workers juggling multiple jobs to salary trends and career development.
About ADP Research
ADP Research's mission is to make the future of work more productive through data-driven discovery. Companies, workers, and policymakers rely on our refined data and unique perspective to make informed decisions that impact workplaces worldwide.
About ADP (NASDAQ: ADP)
ADP has been shaping the world of work with innovation and expertise for more than 75 years. As a global leader in HR and payroll solutions, ADP continually seeks to solve complex business challenges for our clients and their workforce. “Always Designing for People” means ADP focuses on people, leveraging our unparalleled data insights and innovative technology to unlock human potential. More than 1.1 million clients in over 140 countries trust ADP’s unique expertise and exceptional service to support their people and drive their businesses forward. Learn more at ADP.com.br.
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