As AI adoption surges across Australian workplaces, RMIT Online reveals a stark literacy gap, with just 7% of workers demonstrating advanced capability. In this conversation from the National HR Summit, RMIT Online's workforce development director Rima Das explains why HR leaders must urgently tailor AI training, manage risk, and build top‑down governance to keep pace with rapid, consumer‑led adoption.
1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:07,000 84% of Australians are now using AI in the workforce, but advanced literacy is only at 7%. 2 00:00:07,000 --> 00:00:15,000 [music] During the recent National HR Leaders Summit in Sydney, we caught up with one of our sponsors, RMIT Online. 3 00:00:15,000 --> 00:00:23,000 Hey guys, welcome back. I've wrangled another person off the floor. We have RMIT Online's workforce development director, Reema. 4 00:00:23,000 --> 00:00:30,000 Ready to talk about everything that's going on today and what's happening in HR. Reema, welcome. 5 00:00:30,000 --> 00:00:38,000 Thanks, Jack. Great to be here and see so many familiar and new faces. There's a lot happening in workforce learning. 6 00:00:38,000 --> 00:00:49,000 We recently launched a report into AI. While some are tired of hearing about it, it's interesting to see adoption and literacy. 7 00:00:49,000 --> 00:01:00,000 84% of Australians are now using AI at work, which is higher than expected. 8 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:10,000 But advanced literacy is only at 7%. So we wanted to share insights from our workforce survey. 9 00:01:10,000 --> 00:01:24,000 We aim to support organizations in learning and development to help upskill for the future. 10 00:01:24,000 --> 00:01:40,000 These are the skills of the future. Curiosity and ambition are there, but capability is lagging. 11 00:01:40,000 --> 00:01:59,000 So is it just about training? What should HR leaders do to bridge that gap? 12 00:01:59,000 --> 00:02:13,000 The report showed generational differences. Younger workers are more ambitious but sometimes overconfident. 13 00:02:13,000 --> 00:02:29,000 Senior decision-makers tend to be more hesitant and have lower advanced AI literacy. 14 00:02:29,000 --> 00:02:44,000 This is critical because they make key decisions and need understanding of ethics, governance, and strategy. 15 00:02:44,000 --> 00:03:03,000 Some workers have used AI throughout their careers, while others only recently adopted it. 16 00:03:03,000 --> 00:03:20,000 Should we focus on those more reluctant to adopt AI? 17 00:03:20,000 --> 00:03:34,000 Yes. There's opportunity for upskilling in risk management, especially for frequent users. 18 00:03:34,000 --> 00:03:50,000 Data privacy is critical, and capability enhancement is needed on both ends of the spectrum. 19 00:03:50,000 --> 00:04:06,000 Organizations must also help senior leaders embrace AI in structured, safe environments. 20 00:04:06,000 --> 00:04:18,000 Many people jump into AI without understanding risks, including data breaches and IP leaks. 21 00:04:18,000 --> 00:04:32,000 How can leaders prevent employees from exposing sensitive data? 22 00:04:32,000 --> 00:04:47,000 Some organizations restrict AI tools until proper training and capability building are completed. 23 00:04:47,000 --> 00:05:05,000 Once literacy improves, access can be safely expanded. 24 00:05:05,000 --> 00:05:21,000 AI adoption is often consumer-led, not just enterprise-led, making governance even more important. 25 00:05:21,000 --> 00:05:41,000 Providing safe environments is key since usage on personal devices can't always be controlled. 26 00:05:41,000 --> 00:05:58,000 Do organizations handle AI cybersecurity well? 27 00:05:58,000 --> 00:06:14,000 There's still fear and uncertainty. Many tools include AI without organizations realizing it. 28 00:06:14,000 --> 00:06:29,000 This creates risk if literacy is low. 29 00:06:29,000 --> 00:06:50,000 There's a need for better communication and structured upskilling. 30 00:06:50,000 --> 00:07:08,000 Where should organizations start with upskilling? 31 00:07:08,000 --> 00:07:28,000 Upskilling should be persona-based and tailored to roles, experience, and responsibilities. 32 00:07:28,000 --> 00:07:49,000 Everyone needs training, but it must be customized. 33 00:07:49,000 --> 00:08:09,000 It's not a one-size-fits-all approach. 34 00:08:09,000 --> 00:08:33,000 Organizations must consider what makes their workforce unique. 35 00:08:33,000 --> 00:08:57,000 A top-down approach is important for governance and adoption. 36 00:08:57,000 --> 00:09:17,000 Leadership and boards should undergo training first. 37 00:09:17,000 --> 00:09:40,000 This ensures structure before broader rollout. 38 00:09:40,000 --> 00:10:00,000 Thanks for joining us. Appreciate your time. It was a pleasure. Thanks.
