Global Workforce of the Future

Working Through Change

How Australian workplaces are adapting to AI, hybrid work and talent shortages

A deep dive into the global research report with a focus on the local landscape, featuring insights from 2,000 workers across Australia. Gain access to the key findings that Australian organisations need to know now

We are delighted to provide you with insights from our global research report with a focus on the local landscape, featuring insights from 2,000 employees across Australia. In today's rapidly evolving work environment, reliable data is crucial for navigating the complexities of workforce management. Accurate reference points help organisations grow and retain their people, assisting employees to stay relevant amid shifting job demands by identifying emerging skills and competencies. Implementing agile workforce methodologies becomes more effective with research confirming employee and employer attitudes. Managing a multigenerational team requires understanding the diverse needs and preferences of different age groups. For HR professionals, practical takeaways on leadership development and managing talent shortages are grounded in robust evidence, ensuring informed decision-making that can drive the business to build resilient, adaptable, and future-ready teams.
James McIlvena, Managing Director, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, LHH

Most Australian organisations are struggling to adapt to AI and are yet to reap the productivity gains promised. Leaders also face complex demands as they seek to effectively manage hybrid workforces and sky-high worker expectations for flexibility. And in the face of a tight labour supply, leaders are navigating talent shortages and the need to do more with less.

We’re pleased to provide a window into the Australian workplace – to help leaders achieve their goals amid great change. The Adecco Group Global Working through change: Adapting to an AI-driven world of work global research report compiled insights from 2,000 worker interviews conducted in Q3 2024 across Australia.

 

Key highlights include:

4 takeaways for Australian employers

  • 44% of workers use AI at work.
    Still early in its implementation, Australian workers have a slightly lower take up than their global peers. Although AI saves time, many workers are still only producing the same amount of work. Leaders need practical, personalised guidance on how they can make the most of AI's potential in their teams. This leads to a bigger agenda: How leaders can effectively transform the workforce to maximise the benefits of AI and automation.
  • 78% of workers believe it’s their employer’s responsibility to provide flexible work that meets their needs.
    Sharply up from last year’s levels and much higher than global peers, Australian workers have high expectations for workplace flexibility. Australian leaders not only need to be equipped for nuanced conversations with their teams, but also tackle the challenge of how to better manage the new hybrid workforce while maintaining/increasing productivity.
  • 45% of employers are concerned about talent scarcity.
    Given the tightness of the Australian labour market, employers need to seriously consider upskilling internal talent to fill their most critical talent gaps. Australian workers want to be upskilled and be given the opportunity to progress into new roles.
  • 39% of workers are concerned about long term job security.
    Economic uncertainty and financial worries are having a big impact on workers. Over half say economic uncertainty is front of mind. And longer term job security is one of the sampled workers in Australia’s biggest concerns.

Access to the full Australian research.

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