Constant change in the workplace is eroding job satisfaction

The pressures of constant change and heavier workloads are making employees in Thailand less happy at work, according to a new survey by PwC Thailand.

The drop in job satisfaction comes as emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) transform the way people work and threaten job security. Half of those surveyed said learning opportunities would significantly influence their decision to stay with or leave their current employer.

PwC's Asia Pacific Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2024 - Thailand Snapshot reveals a 14% fall in job satisfaction to 65%, down from last year's 79%. Of the 1,000 Thai workers surveyed, 45% said they wanted a pay rise, 35% wanted promotion and 28% are considering changing their employer.

The biggest factor in the decline is the pressure of constant change, which is causing both excitement and unease. Seventy-nine percent reported experiencing more changes in the workplace over the past year compared to the previous 12 months, higher than the 68% of workers in the Asia Pacific region. And 60% said their workload has significantly increased.

Dr Pirata Phakdeesattayaphong, Consulting Partner at PwC Thailand, said upskilling to help workers develop new skills will play a crucial role in building their confidence and alleviating concerns about emerging technologies potentially replacing their jobs.

"Technology now handles many tasks, particularly repetitive ones like tracking and data entry. But by upskilling and using technology to improve their performance, workers can secure their positions," she said.

Digital and technological skills, such as advanced data analytics, AI and automation systems, are essential, according to Dr Pirata. Equally important are soft skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration and adaptability.

More than 70% use AI at work 

The survey found that 73% of workers in Thailand have used GenAI in their work over the past 12 months, compared to their Asia Pacific counterparts at 70%. But when asked about daily usage, only 17% said they use it on a daily basis. The highest use was reported in the manufacturing and automotive industries (18%), followed by financial services (16%) and the consumer markets (15%).

Workers in Thailand have a positive outlook on GenAI, with 75% expecting that it will enhance work efficiency, a significant increase from 47% in last year's survey. Meanwhile, 67% believe that GenAI will increase job security and help them earn higher salaries (65%). However, they also anticipate that it might lead to heavier workloads (66%).

While workers in Thailand feel there is too much change happening all at once, 90% said they're ready to adapt to new ways of working and grow in their role. And 56% stated that learning opportunities will influence their decision to stay or leave their job.

"The new generation entering the workforce increasingly values learning opportunities, which ultimately contribute to the growth of the organisation as well. So this is a great opportunity for employers to foster a culture of learning among employees, focusing on continuous learning and self-learning. Alongside technical skills, it's also important to develop soft skills. Employers should establish metrics to monitor progress and effectiveness," Dr Pirata said.

Employers need to take action on climate change

The survey reveals that workers in Thailand are increasingly anxious about climate change. Sixty percent expressed worry that climate change poses health and safety risks in the workplace, and 42% said that disruptions caused by extreme weather or environmental changes will impact their ability to work.

"Today, one point of consensus between organisational leaders and employees is that change is constant. Be it the emergence of new technologies, climate change, heightened competition, or other dynamics, these forces necessitate the transformation of work. Consequently, they shape employees' expectations and concerns regarding their organisations. The most important factor is the ability to adapt, both at the organisational and individual levels, to not only survive but also thrive amid continuous change," Dr Pirata said.