78% of Filipino Workers Use AI, but Worry About Weaker Thinking

MANILA, Philippines — Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly integrated into the daily work routines of Filipino employees. A recent study by Sprout Solutions found that 78% of Filipino workers across 13 industries use AI in their daily tasks. The findings are based on interviews with 3,516 Filipino employees conducted from May 8 to 29. Among those who use AI, 27% utilize it for communication and interaction, 23% for information processing, 16% for thinking and decision-making, and 12% for computer and digital tasks. The study linked frequent AI use to higher productivity and lower stress levels. However, a significant concern has emerged among workers: the potential for over-reliance on AI to weaken, rather than sharpen, their thinking skills. "Employees want AI to enhance, not erode, their thinking abilities," the study stated. Sprout Solutions suggests that reduced mental burden may be one of AI's most significant effects on workers. Frequent AI use was also consistently associated with increased recognition at work, reduced overtime, and lower stress. "Higher AI-driven output is also associated with feeling more recognized at work, suggesting both performance and employee experience benefit," the study noted. The use of AI for decision-making indicates that the technology is evolving beyond an assistant role, serving as a tool for mental offloading for some employees. "Employees who prefer to use AI when making decisions at work report lower levels of stress because of their AI use. This suggests that AI may be doing more than speeding up decisions; rather, it may be reducing the cognitive pressure employees feel when making them," the study explained. Despite the widespread adoption of AI, Sprout Solutions reported that workers still feel secure in their jobs. Separately, a February report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlighted that approximately 12.7 million workers in the Philippines are exposed to generative AI, the highest number among ASEAN countries. The ILO report cautioned, however, that 3.6% of jobs in the country are highly exposed to generative AI and are at risk of displacement. "Rather than outright automation, the most significant impact of GenAI on the Philippine labour market is likely to be the transformation of jobs, potential gains in productivity and enhanced employment quality," the ILO research brief concluded.