Hong Kong employers brace for disruption as AI hits admin roles hardest

53% of employers expect more than a quarter of their staff will require reskilling, and 26% expect more than half will need new skills.

Administration and business support roles are expected to be most affected by AI-driven automation in Hong Kong, according to a new Robert Walters survey.

38% of employers identified these functions as most affected, followed by IT and digital transformation (35%) and accounting and finance (26%).

The survey found that 58% of employers have already introduced AI into their operations, whilst another 20% plan to adopt the technology. About half of current implementations are aimed at optimising headcount.

Reskilling needs are set to rise sharply. 53% of employers expect more than a quarter of their staff will require reskilling, and 26% expect more than half will need new skills.

Employers ranked critical thinking, fact-checking, data analysis, and ethical decision-making as the most important capabilities for an AI-enabled workplace.

Workers remain cautiously optimistic. 65% of professionals believe AI will have a positive impact on their careers, though 38% still fear displacement. Nearly half have already taken AI-related training, 30% plan to start, and 17% have explored AI-driven career opportunities.

Challenges persist around adoption. 42% of respondents cited limited access to training, whilst 40% pointed to uncertainty over accountability for AI-enabled decisions. Robert Walters said this underscores the need for clearer governance and more structured learning pathways.