Employers 'overestimating' workforce readiness on AI adoption
Employers across Australia may be getting the wrong idea on AI adoption success, as they are warned that gains from the technology do not seem to be across the board.
New findings based on Australian respondents indicate that AI use is becoming more widespread across the country.
Telsyte research revealed that 5.2 million people above the age of 16 are now using AI tools every day, a 160% surge from approximately two million in June 2025.
They are among a broader pool of 17.4 million Australians aged 16 and above, or 77% of that age group, for whom AI has become part of everyday life, according to the findings.
But access to AI tools does not guarantee success, according to new Gartner research, which warned that AI gains may be concentrated on a specific group instead of being widespread across users.
"While AI adoption is accelerating, many organisations overestimate workforce readiness and equate AI rollout with success, but access alone isn't driving impact," said Neal Woolrich, director analyst in the Gartner HR practice.
Only 17% of users can be qualified as "AI Champions," with high use and positive sentiment towards the technology, according to Gartner, while 56% are "AI Resisters" with low usage and negative sentiments.
Gartner revealed that employees with high AI use are 6.7 times more likely to improve workflows and processes, and 4.6 times more likely to be identified as high-potential talent.
"Without the right support, skills, and clarity, AI risks widening performance gaps across the workforce rather than improving outcomes for all," Woolrich said.
Growing AI divide
The growing divide between Australia's AI users stems from a lack of direction from their organisations, according to the Gartner report.
Just half of Australian employees said they have clear guidance, training, or support for AI use, while fewer workers report that their organisation has communicated how their roles are evolving.
The lack of direction comes against a backdrop of weak labour market confidence, where employees are already concerned about long-term job security, and are unsure whether their skills will remain relevant as AI adoption accelerates.
"Organisations that fail to address employee anxiety risk slowing AI adoption and undermining productivity gains," Woolrich said. "Clear communication about how jobs will and won't change is critical."
Gartner also suggested offering targeted retention and reskilling for resisters to encourage increased AI use at work, as well as intentionally redesigning processes to boost employee confidence in AI.
"AI isn't just transforming work; it's reshaping the employee experience and the structure of the labour market," Woolrich said. "Organisations that fail to bring their workforce with them risk losing both productivity and talent."
Gartner said organisations are twice as likely to exceed their revenue goals if they redesign work.
"Organisations experiencing the greatest returns from AI are those focused on workforce enablement, not just technology deployment," Woolrich said. "Employees need clarity, confidence and support to fully integrate AI into their work."
