A new research report reveals that Australian businesses are far behind in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) compared to businesses in the Asia-Pacific region. The 2024 APAC Workforce Insights report by PERSOLKELLY Australia sheds light on business leaders' attitudes towards AI adoption, with a third (33%) of Australian companies not using AI or planning to use it. I made it clear that no.
Additionally, this research suggests that there may be a lack of awareness among business leaders about the extent of AI and machine learning already installed in everyday software and apps such as Google Search. Masu. Compared to Australia, New Zealand is at the forefront of current AI usage in the workplace, with an impressive 82% rate. Meanwhile, the average for Asia Pacific is 43%. Australia lags behind with just 35% of companies leveraging AI, making it one of the markets with the lowest usage rate of AI.
Interestingly, Australian employers appear to be optimistic about AI and its potential impact on employment. The report says 41% of Australian employers do not foresee significant job losses due to AI, compared to a gloomy regional average of 16%. This optimistic outlook subsequently led to a decline in interest in other plans to manage it. Meanwhile, only 8% of Indian business leaders share the same optimism, making India more aggressive than the regional average in managing job losses. Similar trends have been observed in Vietnam, China and New Zealand, all of which have expressed significant interest in anticipating rising unemployment and planning to manage it.
Another key insight from this research is the reluctance of Australian businesses to adopt formal AI policies in the workplace. Only 18% of organizations that have adopted AI have developed AI policies within six months of implementation. Very alarmingly, more than a third (38%) of these companies admit that they have no plans to establish a formal policy at all. In contrast, 21% of business leaders say it will take up to a year to establish an AI policy, which is higher than the regional average of 29%.
But on a brighter note, Australian employers are keen to upskill their employees in AI-related roles. More than half (52%) of business leaders are prioritizing upskilling programs, and 44% are maintaining transparent communication about the potential impact of AI on their jobs. Key skills Australian employees need to acquire to thrive in her AI workplace include critical thinking (45%), digital literacy (36%), creativity (36%) and adaptability. (35%) included. And only 8% of organizations are considering the option of hiring individuals with the necessary AI skills to fill existing skills gaps.
Curt Gillam, executive general manager of Persolkelly Australia, said: “Australia boasts a strong business environment, but the slow uptake of AI practices and policies in the workplace is a long-term challenge for the world. “In order to stay ahead of the curve and continue,'' he emphasized. To become a leader in business, large and small, Australian businesses need to embrace AI and take advantage of the opportunities and benefits this technology brings. ”
