Employers and employees alike are on board with using Gen AI for their day-to-day jobs
- 90% of Australian workers are using generative AI to assist them in their day-to-day tasks
- 45% of employers encourage the use of generative AI to complete routine and commonplace tasks, while 34% of employers encourage the use of tools to enhance productivity
- 87% of workers are transparent with their manager/employer about using generative AI in their day-to-day work
- 83% of workers believe developing generative AI skills is necessary for career success
Sydney, 10 April 2025 – Workers are openly using generative AI to complete day-to-day tasks, having been encouraged by their employers to speed up routine and commonplace tasks as well as become more productive.
New independent research by specialised recruiter Robert Half finds artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini are now a workplace staple, used (almost) every day by almost half (47%) of workers. Meanwhile, almost all (98%) employers allow their staff to use generative AI in the course of their jobs. In fact, 98% of them are planning to train employees in how to better use it to harness the technology’s abilities.
“Gen AI is transitioning from a theoretical concept to a practical everyday tool used by workers,” says Nicole Gorton, Director at Robert Half. “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.”
Workers embrace the benefits of using generative AI
Most (90%) workers are using generative AI tools to some degree in their role, including almost half (47%) who do so regularly:
17% of workers use it every day
30% of workers use it almost every day
30% of workers sometimes use it
14% of workers don’t often use it but do access them on occasion
10% of workers never use it to do their jobs
Most workers do not feel the need to hide their use of generative AI tools, as 87% of workers are transparent about their usage with their manager. The remaining 13% of employees are more covert about its use and are not transparent with their employer.
Among the generations, the digital natives of Gen Z have the highest rate of transparency (92%) followed by tech-savvy Millennials (87%), Gen X (86%) and Baby Boomers (83%).
Employers want workers to use AI
A resounding 98% of employers allow the use of generative AI in their workforce while 79% of employers actively encourage their employees to use it. However, they have differing levels of acceptance and reasons for using the technology:
45% of employers encourage employees to use and explore the potential of generative AI but only for routine and commonplace tasks
34% of employers encourage employees to use generative AI to enhance their productivity
19% of employers allow generative AI but do not currently encourage it, although they are exploring its usability
2% of employers do not allow the use of generative AI in their workplaces
“Overwhelmingly, employees are embracing Gen AI to boost their productivity and streamline their work, and employers are largely on board,” Gorton says. “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.”
Learning to use AI is essential to get ahead
Going beyond generative AI and into broader AI applications in the workplace, employers and employees agree that learning how to use AI tools is necessary for future success.
When workers were asked how necessary they feel it is to learn and enhance AI skills related to their role, 83% of them agree. At 87%, tech/IT workers were the most likely to agree, followed by 82% of finance and accounting staff and 80% of administrative and customer support workers.
Among employers who are using and exploring the use of AI, 98% plan to ensure their staff are trained and will do so in a variety of ways:
54% of employers plan to implement internal training programs
48% of employers intend to use internal knowledge-sharing platforms
43% of employers plan to promote a culture of self-learning
42% of employers intend to implement external training programs
42% of employers plan to train staff via 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. 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,” concluded Gorton.
RobertHalf_AI_April.pdf
Notes to editors
About the research
The study is developed by Robert Half and was conducted online in November 2024 by an independent research company of 500 hiring managers and 1,000 full-time office workers in finance, accounting, business support, and IT and technology. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs as well as large private, publicly-listed and public sector organisations across Australia. This survey is part of the international workplace survey, a questionnaire about job trends, talent management, and trends in the workplace.
About Robert Half
Robert Half is the global, specialised talent solutions provider that helps employers find their next great hire and jobseekers uncover their next opportunity. Robert Half offers both contract and permanent placement services, and is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm. Robert Half Australia has offices in Brisbane, Melbourne, South-East Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. More information on roberthalf.com/au.
For more information
Courtney Fletcher
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