Majority of Australians integrate AI into daily tasks

Research conducted by Robert Half has found that the majority of Australian workers are incorporating generative artificial intelligence (AI) into their daily tasks, with strong encouragement from employers to optimise efficiency and productivity.

The study reveals that 90% of Australian employees are using generative AI tools to aid their day-to-day duties. These tools, which include popular applications such as ChatGPT and Gemini, are utilised almost daily by 47% of workers. The use of AI is prevalent across various industries, and its adoption appears to be supported by a sizeable proportion of employers.

Nicole Gorton, Director at Robert Half, commented on the trend, stating, "Gen AI is transitioning from a theoretical concept to a practical everyday tool used by workers. While there remains a lot of uncertainty about AI and its future, workers and employers alike are becoming more familiar with the benefits of Gen AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, to improve aspects of their day-to-day work."

The report highlights that 87% of employees are open about their use of generative AI with their managers, indicating a level of comfort with these tools. Transparency in AI usage is particularly high among Gen Z, with 92% of this group candid about their AI activities, closely followed by Millennials at 87%.

When it comes to employer encouragement, the data shows that 98% of companies allow the use of generative AI, with 79% actively promoting its usage. Specifically, 45% of employers support the use of AI for routine tasks, while 34% see it as a means to boost overall productivity.

Gorton emphasised the positive reception towards generative AI among both workers and employers, stating, "Overwhelmingly, employees are embracing Gen AI to boost their productivity and streamline their work, and employers are largely on board. Forward-thinking employers are actively encouraging the use of Gen AI, recognising its potential to drive efficiency and innovation. They see the value Gen AI can bring to everyday tasks, enabling workers to dedicate more time on more complicated, strategic or creative initiatives."

The study indicates that mastering AI skills is deemed essential for career advancement by a significant majority of workers. Specifically, 83% of employees believe developing competencies in generative AI is crucial for success, a sentiment strongly echoed by those in tech and IT sectors.

In terms of employer strategies for AI training, the report indicates that 98% of companies plan to implement training programmes. Of these, 54% will develop internal training initiatives, while nearly half will utilise knowledge-sharing platforms. Additionally, 42% indicated plans for AI mentorship programmes and external training opportunities.

According to Gorton, "AI is here to stay and investing in AI training is not just a nice-to-have, it's a necessity for organisations that want to thrive in the modern era." She added that fostering a culture of AI adoption, along with comprehensive training, provides organisations with an edge in attracting and retaining top talent.