New polls have revealed a growing sense of uncertainty among Australian workers about the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), with 7 in 10 employees saying their employers are not preparing them for an AI-driven future.
According to the findings, Baby Boomers feel the least supported (76%), followed closely by Millennials and Gen Z (71%), and Gen X (58%). Despite the rapid pace of AI adoption across industries, only 17% of employers are currently offering AI-related training or support.
Suhini Wijayasinghe, Head of HR Solutions at people2people Recruitment, says the lack of structured support from employers is contributing to anxiety and disengagement among workers. “Many Australians are eager to understand how AI can help them in their jobs, but they’re not always being given the tools or training to do so,” Suhini said. “The conversation about AI in the workplace is happening, but too few employers are following through with practical guidance. That gap is leading to real uncertainty about what the future holds.”
Workers fear replacement
- Almost 3 in 10 Australian workers believe AI will eventually replace their role entirely.
- A further 30% think parts of their role will be replaced.
- Close to 4 in 10 employees are worried about AI’s impact on their jobs in 2026.
- Millennials and Gen Z are the most concerned (50%), compared to 34% of Baby Boomers and 29% of Gen X workers.
“The fear we’re seeing isn’t just about job loss, it’s about being left behind,” Suhini said. “Without clear communication or upskilling pathways, many workers are left wondering how relevant their skills will be in just a few years’ time.”
The findings reveal that 1 in 4 Australian workers already use AI in their day-to-day work, and 58% agree that AI has changed the way they work overall. Of these, 22% are using AI tools daily, 17% are still exploring them, and 15% don’t know how to use AI at all – including 1 in 5 Baby Boomers.
“AI is already integrated into many white-collar roles, from marketing to administration,” Suhini explained. “But adoption is uneven. In many workplaces, it’s a handful of early adopters leading the way, while others are still trying to catch up, or simply don’t know where to begin.”
The research underscores a growing need for structured, inclusive AI training programmes across Australian workplaces. “This is a pivotal moment for employers,” Suhini said. “The workforce is ready and willing to learn, but they need leadership, education, and reassurance. By investing in AI literacy today, employers can reduce fear, boost engagement, and future-proof their teams for tomorrow’s opportunities.”
