Artificial intelligence is reshaping workplaces across Australia, yet a new study suggests it is not automatically saving time for staff. Research from Complete Office Supplies (COS) indicates that nearly one-third of office workers have not experienced time savings from AI tools, with some reporting increased workloads. The findings suggest that productivity gains depend heavily on how AI is integrated into daily workflows.
Belinda Lyone, co-CEO of the family-owned company, said businesses should distinguish between AI adoption and productivity improvement. “You cannot assume that because a tool is available, it is automatically making work easier,” she said. Lyone added that AI should help employees work more effectively rather than increase the amount of work they produce. “Productivity comes from giving people the right tools, the right training and the right expectations,” she said.
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More than half of respondents identified reducing the number of workplace systems as a way to improve productivity. Poorly integrated technology often forces employees to switch between platforms, duplicate tasks, or spend extra time checking their work. Lyone noted that simply rolling out new tools without a clear strategy often leads to frustration rather than efficiency.
Job security concerns
Separate research by ADP found that only 25 per cent of Australian workers believe their jobs are safe from elimination. This figure drops to 18 per cent among workers aged 18 to 26, while the global average is 22 per cent. In Australia, confidence was highest among knowledge workers at 35 per cent, compared with 20 per cent for skilled task workers and 19 per cent for repetitive task workers. ADP’s global data shows that workers who feel secure in their jobs are twice as likely to say they have no intention of leaving their employer, six times more likely to be fully engaged, and 3.3 times more likely to report high productivity.
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Kylie Baullo, GM for Australia, New Zealand and Japan at ADP, said the findings suggest workers are actively considering whether their roles will continue to exist in the future. “Only one in four Australian workers believe their job is safe from elimination,” she said. Nela Richardson, chief economist at ADP, suggested that employers should combine communication about changes to job roles with investment in employee skills. For businesses adopting AI, this means defining how technology will change work and what skills employees will need.
Workers who fear job loss often cite the potential for AI to automate their tasks. The uncertainty surrounding this technology drives anxiety, particularly among younger staff. Employers must address these fears by clearly outlining the future structure of their teams. This approach helps maintain trust and stability within the workforce.
