Australian HR professionals face mounting pressures to adapt to rapid workplace transformations driven by AI and digital advancements, according to LinkedIn’s recent Work Change Snapshot. In this study, 53% of HR leaders report that expectations for their roles are higher than ever, yet only 1 in 10 Australian business leaders feel their organizations are leaders in AI adoption. This disparity underscores a significant gap between the recognized potential of AI and its real-world implementation in Australian companies.

New LinkedIn data also reveals that 10% of roles hired in 2024 are in job categories that didn’t exist in 2000, such as social media manager, data scientist, AI engineer, and sustainability manager. These emerging roles reflect an evolving labor market shaped by digital innovation and the pressing need for adaptability. 

LinkedIn projects that by 2030, the skill requirements for Australian jobs will change by 66% compared to 2016 due to AI advancements. Without AI, this shift would be closer to 50%, highlighting AI's substantial role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow.

Aiming to adapt to this rapid transformation, Australian HR professionals are taking on pivotal roles, bridging talent acquisition and skill development. According to Adam Gregory, Senior Director of LinkedIn Talent and Learning Solutions for ANZ, “Businesses are having to manage seismic shifts in the way work is done, and professionals are stepping into roles that didn’t exist a decade ago, highlighting the need for continuous learning and the development of skills."

AI adoption and the pressure on HR teams

As businesses try to keep pace, Australian HR leaders are increasingly relied upon to integrate AI tools and practices, helping teams adapt and scale. LinkedIn’s survey highlights that 57% of HR professionals feel expectations are at an all-time high, with 39% expressing that the volume of daily decision-making is overwhelming. To streamline their efforts, LinkedIn has introduced two AI-powered tools aimed at optimizing HR operations.

One of these tools, LinkedIn’s Hiring Assistant, is designed to automate repetitive tasks in recruiting, allowing HR professionals to focus on strategic responsibilities like advising hiring managers and creating meaningful candidate interactions. The AI agent manages tasks such as applicant review and sourcing, while recruiters retain full control over the process. 

Gregory adds, “While artificial intelligence holds huge potential to improve day-to-day work, the majority of businesses are still figuring out how to best bring that potential to life.” He emphasizes that HR teams must be properly equipped to support their organizations through these transitions.

Amy Schultz, Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Canva, also underscores the importance of prioritizing candidates’ individuality, saying, “At Canva, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe individuals are far more than the bullet points on their resumes; understanding their true values, potential, and passions takes time and care. By leveraging LinkedIn's new Hiring Assistant to help streamline repetitive administrative tasks, we can give our hiring teams the space to focus on what truly matters — getting to know candidates as individuals.”

Beyond HR, LinkedIn has also introduced tools aimed at enhancing sales performance, including Lead Finder, Lead IQ, Message Assist, and Account IQ enhancements within Sales Navigator. These tools collectively help sales professionals reduce time spent on administrative work, allowing them to focus on client relationship-building. According to LinkedIn, AI can save sales teams up to 11.5 hours per week, enabling them to concentrate on strategic engagement and growth.

As companies recognize the transformative potential of AI, they face a critical need to bridge the skills gap among their workforce. LinkedIn’s Work Change Snapshot points out that HR teams are essential to closing this gap, ensuring employees are equipped with skills that will drive organizational growth and adaptability in the face of change. As Gregory notes, HR leaders are instrumental in “helping navigate these changes and make the most of the opportunities they present.”

LinkedIn's new AI solutions offer a way forward, yet they’re only one piece of a larger puzzle for HR professionals navigating an increasingly complex workplace. By freeing up time and streamlining operations, these tools can help HR leaders address strategic needs. However, as technology continues to reshape the workplace, Australian HR professionals will need further support and tools to meet the demands of tomorrow.