Research from Google and Accenture highlights the growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) among Australians and businesses, underscoring significant gaps in AI readiness between employees and executives. While the increased use of AI might not be surprising, the contrasting perspectives on preparedness to utilize AI effectively reveal critical challenges for organizations.
Google’s survey of 1,000 Australians revealed that 49% had used generative AI in the past year, a notable increase from 38% in 2023. This rise coincides with a heightened sense of optimism, with 6% more respondents believing AI will benefit them personally and 7% more anticipating that AI will positively transform the workplace within the next five years.
Accenture’s Pulse of Change report surveyed 790 C-suite executives and 687 non-C-suite employees across five Asia-Pacific nations, including Australia. It found that 87% of senior leaders intend to increase AI investments by 2025, and 91% believe their workforce is well-prepared to leverage AI. However, employees’ perceptions differ significantly. Only 70% feel adequately prepared to maximize AI’s potential at work, and just 30% claim a deep understanding of generative AI’s value, compared to 55% of C-suite leaders.
The disparity extends to AI training. While 70% of employees feel they have received sufficient AI training, 91% of executives believe their workforce is ready to use it effectively. This disconnect suggests that current training programs may not address employees’ specific needs. Accenture’s research sheds light on employees’ concerns, which include inaccuracies in AI tools (27%), inadequate resources (26%), and difficulties integrating AI into workflows (22%). Addressing these concerns through targeted training could bridge the gap between employee capabilities and organizational expectations.
Australia faces a broader challenge in developing AI skills. Many employees report that while their organizations discuss AI tools, they fall short in investing in the workforce required to implement them. The nation needs an additional 312,000 tech professionals by 2030 to meet demand, requiring more than 60,000 new entrants annually into the technology sector.
Recognizing these challenges, Australia announced plans in December to create a national AI strategy aimed at enhancing its AI capabilities and attracting investment. The initiative seeks to unlock $600 billion in productivity potential. In addition, Microsoft has pledged to provide one million Australians and New Zealanders with essential AI skills by 2026.
Matt Coates, Accenture’s technology lead for Australia and New Zealand, emphasized the need to view generative AI as a catalyst for reimagining talent strategies, rather than solely as a technological solution. Despite increasing investments in AI, many organizations continue to struggle with understanding, training, and implementation. Coates noted that only one-third of executives have a clear vision for how generative AI will impact their workforce, underscoring the importance of aligning technological advancements with human talent to fully harness AI’s transformative potential.
Google’s research also highlights evolving worker sentiments about AI. Over half of respondents (54%) expressed hope that automation would enable them to focus on more fulfilling tasks, while 46% worried it might increase pressure to accomplish more with fewer resources. Nonetheless, Australians are growing more optimistic about AI’s impact. The proportion of respondents expecting industries and jobs to improve due to AI rose by 7% within a year, and concerns about job displacement have lessened, with only 12% fearing their roles will be replaced by AI— down from 20% in 2023.
Mel Silva, managing director of Google Australia and New Zealand, commended the nation’s progress from AI experimentation to practical applications, highlighting the potential economic benefits. Similarly, Accenture’s findings revealed that while 79% of employees believe AI will impact their roles, a substantial gap exists between executives’ strategic planning and employees’ readiness to adapt. This reinforces the need for a comprehensive approach that integrates technology with workforce development to unlock AI’s full potential.
As organizations increasingly adopt AI, bridging the gap between executive expectations and employee preparedness will be essential. By addressing training gaps, alleviating workforce concerns, and aligning strategies with AI’s transformative capabilities, Australian businesses can position themselves to thrive in an AI-driven future.
