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Aussie workers aren’t scared of the possibility of having to adapt to artificial intelligence (AI). In fact, a vast majority of them have the “she’ll be right” mentality. Could this backfire?
The common narratives concerning the future of work are based on how AI will completely flip the working landscape on its head, with the potential to leave employees behind as it continually develops. However, new data from Indeed reveals Aussies are overwhelmingly fearless when it comes to the adoption of AI in the workplace.
The lack of policies and guidelines had previously stoked fear in some young workers around AI implementation, stressing the importance of organisations clearly outlining a blueprint on how the adoption and implementation will occur.
Dr Rebecca Hinds, head of the Work Innovation Lab, said: “There’s a lot of fear, there’s a lot of uncertainty, especially when you talk about those junior workers who are just entering the workforce. There’s tremendous fear and anxiety, and the more you can position the technology as in service of humans, the more that we see that adoption.”
The Indeed report contradicts this viewpoint, as Aussie workers are treating these impending implementations with a lackadaisical mindset, exerting little to no fear. Ninety-one per cent of Aussie workers say they are more than confident in their ability to adapt to the changes AI will bring to their jobs over the next five years.
Sally McKibbin, career expert at Indeed, said: “Australians are known for their can-do attitude, and this rings true in their arms-wide-open approach to using AI in the workplace. Aussie workers demonstrate remarkable confidence in their ability to adjust to the changes AI will bring to their jobs. In fact, we rank as the third-most AI self-assured workforce globally, trailing just behind India and the US.”
“Investing in AI training for employees – particularly those in roles or industries that face high exposure to AI – will mean an organisation is better equipped to navigate and adapt to future workforce changes.”
The report shows that the workers stated that they feel “capable” (43 per cent), “prepared” (40 per cent), and “excited” (33 per cent) about the prospect. Over half (56 per cent) of white-collar workers admitted to already using AI within their job role, while 61 per cent of those workers were more likely to rely on AI for assistance instead of asking a colleague.
Half of the white-collar workers who use AI tools explained that their job description has already changed, and 57 per cent say the skills needed to perform their role have too, showing the changing landscape. Over the next five years, 70 per cent of all workers believe the skills needed to perform their role will change – with 28 per cent anticipating a “significant” shift.
When the workers were asked to comment on the comparisons between humans and AI in terms of productivity, Aussies named tasks like data analysis, content creation, and routine tasks as the avenues that AI can perform better. Similarly, workers believe AI can be more effective when it comes to problem solving and attention to detail, and equally effective at content creation.
On the other hand, there are some tasks that are better suited to the “human touch”. Workers voted decision making, customer service, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence as better handled by people.
The “she’ll be right” mentality is a far cry from the common discourse surrounding how employees will adapt to AI implementation. Hopefully, this nonchalant mindset will not create complacency when it comes to learning AI skills. Technology will continually advance, as it has already; therefore, if workers become lackadaisical with this process, it could lead to bad business outcomes.
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The term "workforce" or "labour force" refers to the group of people who are either employed or unemployed.
Kace O'Neill
Kace O'Neill is a Graduate Journalist for HR Leader. Kace studied Media Communications and Maori studies at the University of Otago, he has a passion for sports and storytelling.
