Employers urge employees to leverage AI for day-to-day tasks, data reveals
Employees are being increasingly encouraged by their employer to use generative AI for commonplace and routine tasks.
New research from Robert Half has found that 90 per cent of Australian workers are using generative AI to assist them with daily tasks, and employers are encouraging it.
Employers were found to be pushing for generative AI use across employees in day-to-day tasks to speed up routine and commonplace tasks and become more productive.
The conducted research included answers from 500 hiring managers and 1,000 full-time office workers in finance, accounting, business support and IT and technology.
According to the findings, AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini were now considered to be a “workplace staple” and were used daily by up to 47 per cent of workers.
Ninety-eight per cent of employers allowed their staff to use generative AI in their jobs, and 98 per cent were also planning to train employees in how to better use it to harness the technology’s abilities.
Nicole Gorton, director at Robert Half, said 17 per cent of workers used AI every day, 30 per cent almost used it every day, 30 per cent sometimes used it, 14 per cent didn’t often use it, and only 10 per cent never used it.
“Gen AI is transitioning from a theoretical concept to a practical everyday tool used by workers. While there remains a lot of uncertainty about AI and its future, workers and employers alike are becoming more familiar with the benefits of Gen AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, to improve aspects of their day-to-day work,” she said.
Workers included within the study were also found to be very transparent with the use of AI tools, as 87 per cent of workers shared their usage with their manager, and only 13 per cent were more covert about their usage with their manager.
In terms of generations transparent about their AI use, Gen Z workers were the most open about their usage at 92 per cent, followed by 87 per cent of millennials, 86 per cent of Gen X and 83 per cent of Baby Boomers.
Despite 98 per cent of employers allowing the use of generative AI in their workforce and 79 per cent encouraging it, there were still differing levels of acceptance and reasons for using the technology.
It was found that 45 per cent of employers encouraged employees to use and explore the potential of generative AI but only for routine and commonplace tasks, 34 per cent of employers encourage employees to use generative AI to enhance their productivity, 19 per cent of employers allowed generative AI but did not currently encourage it and two per cent of employers did not allow it at all in the workplace.
“Overwhelmingly, employees are embracing Gen AI to boost their productivity and streamline their work, and employers are largely on board,” Gorton said.
“Forward-thinking employers are actively encouraging the use of Gen AI, recognising its potential to drive efficiency and innovation. They see the value Gen AI can bring to everyday tasks, enabling workers to dedicate more time on more complicated, strategic or creative initiatives.”
“The high level of transparency around Gen AI usage demonstrates a growing comfort level with these tools. While some employers are still exploring the optimal use cases for generative AI, it’s clear that the majority see it as an asset, not a threat.”
Furthermore, the study revealed that employers and employees agreed that learning how to use AI tools was necessary for future success, with 83 per cent of workers having shared that enhancing their AI skills was necessary.
By industry, 87 per cent of tech/IT workers agreed, followed by 82 per cent of finance and accounting staff and 80 per cent of administrative and customer support workers.
Gorton said 98 per cent of employers planned to ensure their staff were trained and would do so in a number of ways, including implementing internal training programs, internal knowledge-sharing platforms, a culture of self-learning, external training programs and AI mentorship programs.
“AI is here to stay and investing in AI training is not just a nice-to-have, it’s a necessity for organisations that want to thrive in the modern era,” Gorton said.
“Recognising its importance for future career success also highlights the need for continuous learning and development. Companies that foster a culture of AI adoption and provide comprehensive training will not only have a distinct advantage in attracting and retaining top talent, but also position themselves for future success.”
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