As the nature of work continues to evolve, more Australians are finding themselves overwhelmed by the pace of change. According to new research from LinkedIn, 67% of Australian professionals report feeling overwhelmed by how quickly the workplace is changing, and 63% are searching for more guidance and support than ever before. 

The speed at which the workplace is transforming has left nearly half (47%) of Australian workers worried about being left behind in their careers. As job roles, responsibilities, and expectations shift due to factors such as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and hybrid work models, 40% of professionals are unsure how to cope with the rapidly changing landscape.

Among the biggest challenges that workers face today is the struggle to keep up with developing new skills, advocating for personal needs such as flexible work arrangements or training, and proving their value in the era of AI. A significant 25% of workers report struggling with each of these issues. These concerns underscore the growing anxiety among professionals, who feel the need to continually demonstrate their worth amid the changes AI is bringing to the workplace.

LinkedIn data also reveals a marked increase in the focus on flexible work, with mentions of the term growing by 123% over the past two years. This trend reflects a shift in workplace policies, as companies re-evaluate their approach to remote and hybrid work. For many employees, the desire for flexible working arrangements remains a top priority, further adding to the complexity of navigating the modern workplace.

Experience alone is no longer enough

In the face of these changes, Australian professionals increasingly recognise that traditional career strategies—such as relying on experience—are no longer sufficient to stay ahead. According to LinkedIn's research, 58% of professionals in Australia acknowledge that experience alone is inadequate for navigating today’s evolving workplace. Continuous learning and upskilling are now critical for career advancement, with 38% of survey respondents indicating that ongoing learning is vital for staying competitive.

Moreover, many workers are unsure of where to turn for guidance. Only 46% of respondents feel confident that their manager will help them navigate periods of change in their job, and just 46% believe their company’s leadership is adequately supporting them in keeping pace with workplace transformations. Additionally, 35% of employees are uncertain about which information to trust when it comes to career growth and development. These findings reflect a growing need for reliable resources to help workers manage career transitions and prepare for the future.

The search for solutions

As the demand for guidance and support grows, more professionals are turning to LinkedIn for the tools and insights needed to thrive in a rapidly changing workplace. LinkedIn has seen a significant increase in the use of its Learning platform, with a 117% spike in the number of non-technical professionals taking courses designed to build AI-related skills over the past year. This surge in interest underscores the importance of adapting to new technologies and equipping oneself with the knowledge needed to stay ahead.

Cayla Dengate, a LinkedIn Career Expert, highlights the challenges faced by many professionals as they adapt to technological shifts and new working models. "With constant changes in the workplace, such as how to use AI tools and adapting to hybrid work models, it’s no surprise that many professionals feel overwhelmed and worried about being left behind," she explains. "It will be important for workers to stay informed, upskill, and continuously learn. Taking these small steps will help workers build the confidence needed to thrive in this evolving environment."

Tips for staying ahead

To help professionals better navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, LinkedIn offers several tips for staying ahead:

1. Stay informed: With topics like AI and hybrid work evolving quickly, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest news and insights from trusted sources. Staying informed helps professionals feel more in control and less overwhelmed by the changes impacting their jobs.
2. Adopt a growth mindset: Change can be challenging, but approaching it with a willingness to learn can make all the difference. For example, practicing with AI tools like prompt writing or using AI to take meeting notes can help professionals become more comfortable with these technologies over time.
3. Embrace bite-sized learning: Continuous learning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Short-form video content has become a popular way for professionals to engage with new information, with 44% of respondents finding it helpful. LinkedIn has seen a 34% increase in video uploads year-over-year, demonstrating the growing interest in this format as a means of acquiring new skills.