UPDATE: New findings reveal that more than 50% of Australian workers are now using artificial intelligence tools daily, but a significant gap remains in organizational transformation, according to a recent study by Atlassian. The results, based on a survey of over 12,000 workers, were released just moments ago and indicate a sharp increase in AI adoption in the workplace.
The study, named the AI Collaboration Index, shows that the prevalence of AI use among Australian employees has surged from 15% to 56% in just one year. This dramatic rise mirrors findings from a Tech Council report, further emphasizing the urgent need for businesses to adapt to this rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Despite this increase, only 3% of managers believe that AI has significantly transformed operations, highlighting a troubling disconnect between individual productivity and broader organizational change. Molly Sands, head of Atlassian’s teamwork Lab, stated, “People are using AI a lot more than last year right across the globe, but what we are not seeing yet is this company-wide transformation.”
Aussie workers report feeling 33% more productive due to AI, saving an average of 78 minutes each day. However, many still view AI as more of a personal assistant than a creative collaborator, with fewer respondents deeming it “useless” in the workplace, a drop of 9% from last year.
The report also highlights that less than 2% of executives have seen improvements in work quality, while only 4% report enhanced efficiency due to AI implementation. Alarmingly, over one in three executives indicated that AI has led to wasted time or poor guidance.
While early adopters in engineering and IT sectors have seen some benefits, Sands warns that for organizations to unlock AI’s full potential, they must broaden access to these tools and provide more data. “We’re still seeing pretty deep knowledge silos,” she explained. “This is where organizations really need to think about working in a different way to make the most of AI.”
As the federal government prioritizes AI investments following a recent productivity roundtable, the report’s findings raise critical questions about the future of work. Executives anticipate that within five years, only one-third of work will be performed by humans, underscoring the urgent need for companies to adapt.
The AI revolution in Australia is underway, but without significant changes in how businesses integrate these tools, the promised transformation may remain elusive. What happens next will depend heavily on executive willingness to embrace AI as an integral part of their strategies.
This story is developing. Stay tuned for updates on how AI is reshaping the Australian workforce.
