Younger workers more concerned about AI, slower uptake, report finds

The Australian workers most concerned about artificial intelligence have been revealed in a new global survey.

Yet another report has identified deep schisms between the generations about the state of workplaces, motivations and the adoption of new technology.

The latest report, commissioned by work management platform monday.com, polled 3700 employees in Australia, the UK, the US, France, Germany, Mexico and Brazil.

Only 13 per cent of Gen Z is planning to stay at their current company for 10 years compared with 36 per cent of Gen X, the report finds.

More than one-third of senior leaders say technology changes in the past year have made their jobs “much easier”. Only 13 per cent of non-managers say the same.

There are big differences between the generations in Australia when it comes to how long they plan to stay at their current employer. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

The survey has found younger professionals are the most wary of artificial intelligence.

Millennials are “very open” to AI at a rate of 49 per cent, and 80 per cent think AI can help them do their job better.

But Gen Z is adopting AI at a slower rate than the older millennials and Gen Xers.

“AI is undeniably transforming the way we work in Australia, and as our report highlights, there’s a generational gap that we need to address,” monday.com vice president Dean Swan told NewsWire.

“While younger professionals are enthusiastic about AI’s potential, adoption remains slower than expected.”

“Businesses have a responsibility to bridge this gap, particularly in helping younger professionals to build trust and confidence in AI tools.”

A much cheaper Chinese AI model sent shockwaves through international sharemarkets this week, as US developers scrambled to try to figure out how the new entrant DeepSeek was developed. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers

Among Gen Z respondents, 42 per cent of people are worried AI will take away parts of their job they enjoy doing. About one-third of all Gen Z, millennials, and Gen X respondents fear AI puts their job at risk; only 20 per cent of baby boomers share those worries.

Looking at a much broader question of success in the workplace, Australia is lagging behind.

In Australia, 81 per cent of respondents are motivated by the company being successful compared with 93 per cent in highest-ranking Brazil. Only the UK is lower than Australia (79 per cent).

Pay is universally the best motivator, but after salary the second most influential factor varies greatly.

In Mexico (67 per cent), Brazil (61 per cent), the UK (51 per cent), and Australia (48 per cent), employees say better progression and promotion opportunities are the second

greatest motivators.

The French prioritise morale, Americans want greater flexibility in how and when they work, and the Germans put better working conditions as the second most crucial motivator.

Originally published as Younger workers more concerned about AI, slower uptake, report finds