According to Indeed the research reveals that a “whopping 91% of Aussie workers say they are confident to adapt to the changes AI will bring to their jobs over the next five years”, predominantly citing they feel ‘capable’ (43%), ‘prepared’ (40%) and ‘excited’ (33%) about the prospect.

“Over half (56%) of Aussie white collar workers admit to using AI at work, while 61% of those workers are more likely to turn to AI for help with a work task over a colleague. So perhaps Australia’s zest for AI is owing to our fast and widespread adoption of the tech,” suggest Indeed.

Indeed also says the research showed that half of white collar workers who use AI say their job description has already changed, and 57% say the skills needed to perform their role have too - and over the next five years, 70% of all workers believe the skills needed to perform their role will change—with 28% anticipating a ‘significant’ shift.

Indeed notes that analysis of Australian job postings on its website found that around one-in-five (21%) jobs face a ‘high exposure’ to generative AI, “meaning tools such as ChatGPT can perform at least 80% of the skills required in those jobs at a ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ level,” while a further 56% of job postings had a moderate exposure, with AI able to perform between 50% and 80% of the skills required at a high level.

According to Indeed, Aussie workers are among the most likely to say that they feel supported by their employers to adapt to changes in their role, with the research revealing 71% agreeing this is true compared to the global average of 65%.

“Nearly three quarters (73%) of white collar workers have access to AI tools at work, with 40% encouraged to use AI by their employer. Among these workers, just over half (52%) say their employer has offered training on how to use AI tools, with an additional 38% saying they would like their employer to offer this,” the research found.

On workers’ perceptions of AI versus humans, Indeed says that when asked which undertakings are performed better by AI than people, “Aussies named data analysis, content creation and routine tasks” and “similarly, workers believe AI can be more effective when it comes to problem solving and attention to detail, and equally effective at content creation.

“Humans get the workers’ vote when it comes to decision-making (33%, versus 25% for AI), critical thinking (35% versus 27%) and customer service (44% versus 21%). Only one characteristic garners majority support, however, and that’s emotional intelligence—around 53% believe humans do it better.” the research further revealed.

Sally McKibbin, Career Expert at Indeed says: “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.”

“Despite acknowledging that AI may cost more jobs than it will create and will change the work they do, the majority of Aussies are not worried—and many are actually excited—about stepping up to the challenges AI will bring.”

“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.”