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Aussies divided on AI’ s role in the workplace
Australian workers have complex feelings about AI’ s potential impact at work according to HR and payroll specialist ADP’ s latest People at Work study. The 2025 research reveals that while 17 %‘ strongly believe’ AI will positively influence their jobs and 33 %‘ agree’, uncertainty dominates with 44 % having‘ no idea’ how AI will change their roles.
The study of 38,000 workers across 34 countries reveals a telling contradiction: 27 % of those who believe AI will positively impact their jobs also fear the technology might replace them. This dual response suggests workers recognise AI’ s potential while remaining anxious about job security.
Clear generational and sector divides Australian workers aged 18-26 show relative confidence with only 10 % believing their job could be replaced by AI( this is four percentage points below the Asia Pacific average). Mid-career workers – those aged 27-39 – are more optimistic with 16 % expecting AI to positively impact their roles.
Skilled task workers remain cautious with just 8 % believing AI will benefit their jobs in the coming year, highlighting the education gap around how AI can support rather than replace manual and technical work.
Industry patterns show technology services leading optimism with 27 % of workers strongly agreeing AI will positively influence their jobs. Finance and insurance follow at 20 % while information sectors sit at 18 %. Knowledge workers like programmers and engineers are most likely to see AI’ s benefits( 24 %) but also most worried about replacement( 13 %). Conversely, human-centric sectors including healthcare and social assistance express greater caution about AI’ s workplace impact, reflecting concerns about technology in relationship-focused roles.
The stress implications are significant Workers who fear AI replacement are twice as likely to report high workplace stress levels. More concerning for retention, 30 % of those who strongly believe AI could replace them are actively seeking new employment compared to just 16 % of less concerned colleagues.
Judy Barnett, operations director at ADP Australia, says organisations must go beyond the AI hype and help teams adapt:“ Many mid-career workers see AI’ s potential to enhance their jobs, while others, particularly in hands-on roles, are less convinced. Employers need to focus on practical education, transparency and support to build trust and ensure the workforce feels prepared.” S
14 Executive PA | Spring Issue 2025