AI, digital tools key to Australian workplaces — Adobe survey

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA — A new study by Adobe underscores the pivotal role digital tools, particularly generative AI, are playing in redefining work environments in Australia. The focus is shifting from traditional office settings to more flexible, hybrid work models.

Adobe’s recent “The Future of Digital Work: Australia” survey queried 506 knowledge workers within Australia, including 76 leaders and 430 employees.

The report found business leaders lose 2-4 hours daily on “low value” tasks lacking automation. 

“Generative AI is core to what people do today,” Chandra Sinnathamby, Adobe’s director of digital media B2B strategy and go-to-market for Asia Pacific. “It makes them more creative, efficient, and productive.” 

When it comes to job-seeking, technology plays a vital role. According to the survey, 67% of respondents factor in a prospective employer’s technological resources when evaluating job offers. “There’s a war for talent. Reviewing digital tools will redefine how teams work and attract talent,” Sinnathamby advises.

While 80% of workers call technology “essential,” many lack digital literacy. But 85% say automation is “helpful” or “miraculous,” with 91% similar on AI. 

Interestingly, despite this technological shift, the survey found that one-third of Australian workplaces still rely on paper-based operations, while only 19% have gone paperless.

“Most agree companies should use generative AI, though only 22% believe they actually are,” says Sinnathamby.

Adobe, a global software company offering creative, marketing, analytics, and commerce cloud solutions, reported revenues of $15.8 billion in 2021.