Australian AI Adoption Mirrors Global Trends
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a regular part of work for half of the global workforce, with 20% using it nearly every day, according to ADP Research’s latest report released on 15th May 2026. The survey is part of ADP’s ‘People at Work 2026’, which gathered responses from over 39,000 workers in 36 markets. It shows significant shifts towards AI-integrated workplaces, though frequent users often question their productivity.
In Australia, 16% of workers use AI daily, and 44% engage with it several times a week. Despite this, only 13% expect AI to positively impact their job responsibilities in the next year, mirroring global hesitancy. Kylie Baullo, General Manager for Australia, New Zealand, and Japan at ADP, stated, “Australian workers are clearly embracing AI, but confidence in its value hasn’t caught up with adoption. That gap is critical.”
Engagement and Productivity Concerns
Frequent AI users report higher engagement levels, yet they feel four times less productive compared to non-users. This could be due to AI’s shift towards strategic tasks. Dr. Nela Richardson, chief economist at ADP, said, “AI is not only changing how work gets done, but also how people feel at work. Our data shows that frequent AI users report higher engagement and lower stress.”
The report highlights global variations in AI adoption. Countries such as India, Nigeria, and Vietnam lead in daily usage rates, while Australian workers remain cautious about AI’s long-term impacts. According to the report, 11% of daily AI users experience negative stress, which is about half the rate seen in non-users. This suggests a more positive workplace experience for frequent AI users.
People at Work 2026 emphasises the need for businesses to bridge the confidence gap by offering practical AI training and redefining productivity metrics to align with the new AI-driven work environment. frequent AI users report stronger team dynamics, which contributes to a more engaging and collaborative workplace.
As AI continues to evolve, organisations are encouraged to reassess how productivity is tracked at work. By focusing on strategic projects, employees may perceive less tangible output, yet business impact continues to grow. Employers are urged to provide clearer use cases and redefine productivity to harness AI’s full potential.
