AI usage surges in Australia, reshaping workplace productivity

Artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining significant traction in Australian workplaces, with more employees incorporating it into their daily routines to streamline tasks and increase productivity. A recent survey by Freshworks highlights that 27% of Australian employees now use AI daily, up from just 18% six months ago. This rapid growth reflects a transformative shift in how AI is shaping workplace efficiency.

The report, which surveyed 4,000 full-time employees across various countries, underscores how AI is enabling workers to focus on high-value activities like solving complex problems, acquiring new skills, and engaging in creative work. However, it also reveals critical gaps in AI adoption and training within organisations, indicating room for further development.

Australian employees spend an average of 3.2 hours a day on repetitive tasks, equating to nearly five months annually. The majority of respondents (71%) expressed a desire to offload these tasks to AI systems, freeing them up for more meaningful work. Over half of the participants reported that AI has already enhanced their productivity, with some even attributing career advancements, such as promotions or salary increases, to their effective use of AI tools.

“AI is now a foundational tool in Australian workplaces, empowering employees to make a real impact,” said Andrew Phillips, Vice President for Australia and New Zealand at Freshworks. “Its greatest strength lies in complementing human talent rather than replacing it, allowing workers to amplify their skills and tackle tasks more efficiently.”

Despite its advantages, many organisations are lagging in AI adoption. Nearly half (48%) of the survey respondents believe their employers are slow to embrace AI, limiting its potential benefits. Furthermore, only 32% of employees receive regular AI training, and 21% reported that their organisations lack a clear policy for AI implementation.

This divide in AI readiness is creating a two-tier system, where those proficient in AI are advancing rapidly while others remain bogged down by routine work. Phillips cautioned that this gap could widen without significant efforts to enhance organisational capabilities.

Kade Brown, Workforce Solutions Director at RMIT Online, highlighted the need for a strategic approach to AI integration. “AI’s rapid evolution has been a game-changer for Australian businesses. However, the lack of internal adoption and workforce training remains a significant barrier,” Brown said. “Employers must prioritise targeted capability-building programs to unlock AI’s commercial potential fully.”

The report also emphasised that AI is enabling employees to shift their focus. Over 40% of respondents reported using the extra time created by AI to explore creative projects, while nearly half redirected their efforts toward solving complex challenges or learning new skills.

AI’s role in Australian workplaces is evolving from a futuristic concept to a practical tool for driving efficiency and innovation. As adoption continues to grow, businesses must focus on equipping their workforce with the knowledge and skills needed to harness AI’s full potential. By doing so, organisations can ensure that AI becomes an equaliser rather than a divider in the workplace.