A recent study by HP has found that over 70% of workers in Nigeria are pleased with the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their workplaces. The fourth annual HP Work Relationship Index (WRI) surveyed over 19,000 desk-based workers across 15 countries, providing a global benchmark for organisations navigating workplace change and AI adoption. The study highlights that workers who use AI, transferable skills, and side ventures are better equipped to handle an unpredictable economy.
The survey reveals that 73% of knowledge workers are more likely to stay at a company that invests in their development. In Nigeria and South Africa, about 69% of workers are adapting to new technologies rather than waiting, viewing technology as a source of positive change. Many workers believe AI has positively impacted their lives. The study also finds that workers with the healthiest relationship with work are becoming more confident in navigating uncertainty.
According to HP, the WRI global findings for employers in Nigeria and South Africa underscore the need to help employees feel equipped for change rather than overwhelmed by it. The company emphasises that technology investment should translate into a better day-to-day experience of work. HP notes that business growth and healthy work relationships go hand in hand, and organisations in both jurisdictions must prioritise this.
The study highlights that organisational change has become a constant for many workers, with nearly nine in ten knowledge workers globally reporting change over the past year. This pressure is familiar to employers and employees in Nigeria and South Africa, where adaptability, digital capability, and workforce confidence are crucial to organisational resilience.
In response to these changes, workers are building optionality by prioritising transferable skills over traditional career paths. More than half of the workers agree that career paths are becoming less linear in the AI era. Income-generating side ventures are also becoming a form of career insurance, with 36% of workers reporting an income-generating venture, rising to 48% among Gen Z.
AI is becoming a source of workplace resilience, with 59% of knowledge workers now using work-provided AI tools daily or weekly, up from 46% in 2025. The share of workers not using AI has fallen by 13 points to 16%. Among all workers, 47% now use AI agents, indicating that AI is moving into everyday workflows as workers increasingly use technology to build resilience and regain control.
The HP Work Relationship Index provides valuable insights for organisations in Nigeria and South Africa as they navigate the changing world of work. By prioritising employee experience, investing in development, and embracing AI adoption, organisations can foster healthy work relationships and drive business growth. The study's findings offer a timely reminder of the importance of adaptability, digital capability, and workforce confidence in today's fast-paced work environment.
Key points
- Over 70% of Nigerian workers are happy with AI deployment in work environments.
- 73% of knowledge workers are more likely to stay at a company that invests in their development.
- AI adoption is becoming a source of workplace resilience, with 59% of knowledge workers using work-provided AI tools daily or weekly.
