What’s going on:
Exhaustion, sickness, potential resignation, and insufficient readiness to confront future workplace difficulties imposed by automation and artificial intelligence: these are just some of the issues facing Australian workers, according to a report released by the University of Melbourne’s Work Futures Hallmark Research Initiative.
Why it matters:
In June 2022, a survey of 1,400 Australian workers inquired about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their workplace experiences. Later released in the 2023 State of the Future of Work Report, the findings indicated that physical and mental health of Australian employees had significantly declined since the start of the pandemic, with those aged 25-55 being the most impacted — one third of which had even contemplated leaving their job.
“Australian workplaces must prioritize workers’ wellbeing into the recovery to provide greater support in addressing burnout and mental distress,” said report co-author and sociologist Dr. Brendan Churchill.
How it’ll impact the future:
Since the pandemic, the use of AI technologies has increased rapidly, as has the development of such technologies.
The utilization of automation and AI is projected to have an immense influence on the way Australians work in the future. While AI is anticipated to reduce human decision-making, research demonstrates that Australians are wary of embracing new technologies in the workplace, with one in five saying they only do so when they are obligated to.
“We need to understand the reasons behind this and facilitate technology use that is inclusive to all,” said report co-author and human geographer Professor David Bissell.
