New EY survey: Most Australians use AI at work, but few feel supported by leadership

• 72% of Australian workers are concerned about breaching data or regulatory rules when using AI at work.
• Only one-third (35%) have received any formal AI training from their employer.
• A significant generational divide in AI proficiency risks a loss of experienced talent, with Gen Z (46%) far ahead of Gen X (25%) and Baby Boomers (18%).
• 1 in 4 Australian workers are not permitted to use AI tools by their employers.
   

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – 20 AUGUST 2025

While most Australian workers (68%) are now using AI, new EY research reveals a workforce concerned about breaking rules and largely unsupported by leadership.

The EY Australian AI Workforce Blueprint, released today, found more than two-thirds (72%) of workers are concerned about breaching data or regulatory rules when using AI. The survey of Australian workers who use a computer in their daily roles also found one in four (26%) are not permitted to use AI by their employer, while almost half (42%) haven’t been given a clear reason or purpose to use it in their role.

Katherine Boiciuc, EY Regional Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Oceania says: “There’s a trust crisis unfolding in Australian workplaces. Workers are enthusiastic about AI and are benefiting from immediate productivity gains, yet lack confidence as leadership are not providing clear guidance, training or support.

“The findings of our latest research reveal the importance of adopting a human-centric approach towards AI in the workplace and how this can help build trust and confidence, rather than causing concern.”

The data shows strong engagement and enthusiasm with AI. One in four Australian workers revealed they are using AI daily (26%) with a large portion (64%) believing AI is having a somewhat or extremely positive impact on their job. AI is delivering measurable value for workers using it in their role, with nearly one third (30%) of daily users saying it saves them four or more hours per week.

Urgent demand for training

However, workers remain cautious about how they’re using AI in the workplace as they lack direction from leadership to support them with the right tools, training, and culture. Half of the workers surveyed (54%) admit they are not confident using AI in their work and two thirds of workers (66%) say they want their employer to provide more formal training.

The top five areas where they want training are:

1. Basic AI interactions
2. Creating effective prompts
3. Ethical use of AI
4. Utilising simple AI agents
5. Continuous learning

“Workers want to use AI and are already showing signs of unlocking productivity. The reality is that change won’t come from just offering training, it’s about changing the culture. Leaders must go beyond formal training and foster a culture of experimentation, learning and AI fluency,” added Boiciuc.

Sector-specific and generational divides

To build an AI mindset in the workplace, organisations must understand the uneven environment. Sector-specific gaps in AI skillsets must be acknowledged before meaningful cultural change can take root. Government and public sector workers report the lowest proficiency (29%), while industrials and energy workers lead at 39%.

Organisations need to make employees feel safe and confident, which means addressing capabilities across the entire workforce. According to the survey, the average proficiency level remains low at 32 out of 100, yet this is drastically different across generations:

• Gen Z leads the pack at 46%
• Millennials follow at 37%
• Gen X proficiency drops to 25%
• Baby Boomers report the lowest confidence at just 18%

Leaders must also understand which tools employees are using, how they’re using them and new trends emerging. Generative text platforms are the most popular among Australian workers (40%), with research, admin, and work planning the most popular tasks.

Virtual assistants have strong traction and are commonly used for the same purposes. As virtual assistants are more embedded in workplaces, they’re expected to become more effective at administrative tasks and workplace workflows.

The full report can be accessed here.

-ENDS-

Media contact

Tim Madin
EY Regional Strategic Communications Leader, Oceania
tim.madin@au.ey.com
+61 2 8295 6773

Methodology

The EY Australian AI Workforce Blueprint is based on research conducted by EY Studio+. The research surveyed 1,003 Australian workers who use a computer in their daily roles to understand how AI is shaping their work lives. The survey explored a broad range of topics related to AI in the workplace – how often they use AI, what they use it for, how they feel about it, their concerns and how confident they are with skills like prompt engineering.

To ensure the findings reflect the broader workforce, the research used a stratified random sampling method with quotas based on age (18+), gender, and location aligned to census data. Results were weighted accordingly to ensure statistical reliability and national representativeness.

About EY

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.

EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fuelled by sector insights, a globally connected, multidisciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

All in to shape the future with confidence.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young Australia, a member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.