Australian workers see automation as path to career growth

Research indicates that most Australian workers view automation as a chance for career advancement rather than a threat to job security.

Independent research conducted by Robert Half found that 49% of Australian employers plan to automate processes and reskill or upskill their employees, while 35% intend to hire staff with artificial intelligence (AI) or automation skills. Only 4% of employers expressed no immediate plans to automate, and 13% were considering automation but had not yet finalised their approach.

The findings suggest that the majority of employers see the adoption of automation as an opportunity to address current labour market challenges, such as the shortage of skilled professionals. According to the report, 55% of employers who plan to automate cited increasing efficiency and productivity as a prime motivator. Bridging the skills gap was identified by 46%, followed by cost saving (44%), shifting resources to strategic initiatives (43%), and reducing human error (39%).

Nicole Gorton, Director at Robert Half, commented on the broader implications of these findings for both organisations and employees. "The widespread adoption of automation is undeniable," she said. "Companies plan to embrace automation to streamline processes, increase efficiency, and help bridge the skills divide to combat the talent shortage in the current labour market. Positively, workers don't see automation as a threat, but as an opportunity to upskill and enhance their career prospects."

The survey found that 60% of employees would participate in training to reskill if their job became partially automated. When asked specifically how they would respond if their job was partially automated and reskilling was required, 60% indicated a willingness to train for a new role with their current employer. A further 14% said they would look for a different role within the same company, and 19% would seek a new job at another organisation.

On the overall impact of automation on their careers, 63% of employees said they expect automation to have a positive effect, such as increasing demand for their skills and improving their career outlook. Another quarter, 26%, believed automation would have no impact on their job or prospects, and 11% anticipated a negative effect, citing concerns that automation might render their roles or skills obsolete.

Gorton also addressed the strategic approach employers are taking as they plan for an increasingly automated workplace. "Employers are focused on building a future-ready workforce, and successful adaptation, by both organisations and employees, is key to making that happen. Organisations that invest in developing their teams' skills to navigate automation and digital transformation are best positioned to stay competitive. For professionals in roles centred on manual tasks, such as data entry, scheduling, or document processing should prioritise upskilling to futureproof their career and increase their market value," she said.

Just under two in five (39%) employers stated that introducing automation would involve reviewing their workforce, with some roles potentially being phased out due to changes in the nature or scope of work. Yet, the report emphasises that automation efforts are not being driven solely by a desire to reduce costs or headcount.

"Unlike the perception, automation is not just about cutting costs," Gorton stated. "It's about optimising resources, reducing errors, and freeing up employees to focus on more strategic and fulfilling work. Embracing automation allows companies to create a more efficient and productive work environment, while also providing opportunities for employees to develop new skills and advance their careers."

Results of the survey suggest a generally optimistic workforce in Australia, with most employees expressing willingness to adapt to change and take advantage of upskilling and reskilling opportunities provided by their employers.

"Employees today are willing to join their employer on the journey to automation," said Gorton. "The key takeaway for businesses is to proactively invest in reskilling and upskilling initiatives to ensure their workforce is equipped to thrive in an automated future. Not only will this provide employers with the skilled workers it needs but those that invest in their employees' development and provide opportunities for reskilling will also be rewarded with a loyal and engaged workforce."

The research was commissioned by Robert Half and conducted among 500 hiring managers and 1,000 full-time office workers across various sectors including finance, accounting, business support, IT, and technology in Australia. Respondents included personnel from small and medium-sized enterprises as well as large private, publicly-listed, and public sector organisations.