Employees across Australia are learning how to use artificial intelligence (AI) at an incredible rate, according to a new report by Freshworks, with more than two-thirds (67%) of workers using AI at least once a week, and half (50%) claiming that they’re saving at least three hours a week thanks to the technology.
Such is the confidence in using AI that three in four (75%) workers say that their work has become both easier to complete and of better quality.
The tasks workers use AI the most for are writing content, researching and brainstorming, and data analysis, the report shows. Almost three-quarters (72%) say they feel comfortable using AI, and 67% saying they trust its output.
However, privacy remains a concern for organisations that have a duty of care to make sure sensitive data remains safe. Nearly half (49%) of Australians admit to using free versions of online AI tools like ChatGPT and only one in three (35%) employees say they’re concerned about where AI is pulling its information from.
Freshworks vice president for Australia and New Zealand, Andrew Phillips said, “Freshworks has been helping customers run more efficient businesses with AI for half a decade and it’s great to see such growth in a technology that has so much potential to deliver business value.
“However, as AI becomes more common, employees must receive adequate training and onboarding from their employers so they can immerse themselves fully in the software and reap the full benefits of AI in a safe way.”
There is a need for training and not only due to privacy concerns of using free online AI tools. Nearly one in three (30%) employees admit that AI can be confusing to understand, while 69% believe that training and onboarding is necessary for employees to have meaningful benefits from using AI.
In good news, the research also uncovers that negative perceptions around AI replacing jobs are easing in Australia. 77% of workers agree that AI will never be able to completely replace human workers, especially young raw talent.