AI’s Dual Impact on Workplace Equality: Challenges and Opportunities

by News Editor

May 5, 2025

The rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is presenting leaders with the challenging task of prioritizing human resource needs while pursuing profitability.

Key Insights from Industry Leaders

Corporate responsibility is heightened as AI may increase unemployment and exacerbate inequalities, according to Pedro Uria-Rescio, CIMB Group’s Chief Data Scientist, speaking at the GITEX Asia 2025 conference.
Uria-Rescio emphasized that companies should not only equip employees with AI-related skills but also create new job opportunities in light of ongoing technological shifts.
The UN’s trade agency has cautioned that AI could affect 40% of jobs globally, deepening the disparity among nations.

Navigating the AI Revolution

The AI revolution is reminiscent of past technological upheavals, such as the internet boom. While AI is often touted for boosting efficiency, its broader implications need careful management. Uria-Rescio argues that businesses should adopt an ‘AI-first’ mindset without sidelining human involvement.

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Balancing People and Profits

The Microsoft Trend Index 2025 reveals that 82% of business leaders are confident about leveraging digital labor to extend workforce capabilities, with 78% exploring AI specialist hiring. Meanwhile, 47% prioritize upskilling current employees.

Human Element in Focus

Despite the concerns, experts remain optimistic about AI’s societal role. Tomasz Kurcik from Prudential Singapore believes AI can democratize opportunities, potentially revitalizing traditional crafts and generating new job prospects. Successful adaptation relies on collaborative efforts among educational institutions, governments, and corporations to mitigate emerging inequalities.

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Strained Household Finances: Eurostat Data Reveals Persistent Payment Delays Across Europe and in Cyprus

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 22, 2025

Improved Financial Resilience Amid Ongoing Strains

Over the past decade, Cypriot households have significantly increased their ability to manage debts—not only bank loans but also rent and utility bills. However, recent Eurostat data indicates that Cyprus continues to lag behind the European average when it comes to covering financial obligations on time.

Household Coping Strategies and the Limits of Payment Flexibility

While many families are managing their fixed expenses with relative ease, one in three Cypriots struggles to cover unexpected costs. This delicate balancing act highlights how routine payments such as mortgage installments, rent, and utility bills are met, but precariously so, with little room for unplanned financial shocks.

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Breaking Down Payment Delays Across the European Union

Eurostat reports that nearly 9.2% of the EU population experienced delays with their housing loans, rent, utility bills, or installment payments in 2024. The situation is more acute among vulnerable groups: 17.2% of individuals in single-parent households with dependent children and 16.6% in households with two adults managing three or more dependents faced payment delays. In every EU nation, single-parent households exhibited higher delay rates compared to the overall population.

Cyprus in the Crosshairs: High Rates of Financial Delays

Although Cyprus recorded a notable 19.1 percentage point improvement from 2015 to 2024 in delays related to mortgages, rent, and utility bills, the island nation still ranks among the top five countries with the highest delay rates. As of 2024, 12.5% of the Cypriot population had outstanding housing loans or rent and overdue utility bills. In contrast, Greece tops the list with 42.8%, followed by Bulgaria (18.7%), Romania (15.3%), Spain (14.2%), and other EU members. Notably, 19 out of 27 EU countries reported delay rates below 10%, with Czech Republic (3.4%) and Netherlands (3.9%) leading the pack.

Selective Improvements and Emerging Concerns

Between 2015 and 2024, the overall EU population saw a 2.6 percentage point decline in payment delays. Despite this, certain countries experienced increases: Luxembourg (+3.3 percentage points), Spain (+2.5 percentage points), and Germany (+2.0 percentage points) saw a rise in payment delays, reflecting underlying economic pressures that continue to challenge financial stability.

Economic Insecurity and the Unprepared for Emergencies

Another critical indicator explored by Eurostat is the prevalence of economic insecurity—the proportion of the population unable to handle unexpected financial expenses. In 2024, 30% of the EU population reported being unable to cover unforeseen costs, a modest improvement of 1.2 percentage points from 2023 and a significant 7.4 percentage point drop compared to a decade ago. In Cyprus, while 34.8% still report difficulty handling emergencies, this marks a drastic improvement from 2015, when the figure stood at 60.5%.

A Broader EU Perspective

Importantly, no EU country in 2024 had more than half of its population facing economic insecurity—a notable improvement from 2015, when over 50% of the population in nine countries reported such challenges. These figures underscore both progress and persistent vulnerabilities within European households, urging policymakers to consider targeted measures for enhancing financial resilience.

For further insights and detailed analysis, refer to the original reports on Philenews and Housing Loans.

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