Since the turn of the century, the way Australians work has changed significantly, thanks in no small part to technological advances, such as automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital transformation.
These changes are not just reshaping industries but also redefining the very nature of how work is performed, and their effects are challenging the thinking of business management and employees.
Some fear job displacement due to a growing reliance on machinery, while others see a more optimistic future of greater efficiency, increased productivity, and new career pathways. But what is clear is that technology is influencing how Australians work now more than ever.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the main ways it is doing so now and possibly will do so in the future.
How Businesses Can Best Adapt to Change
In the business world, change is inevitable, and against its backdrop, companies must adopt strategies that help employees transition more seamlessly into technology-driven roles.
The organisations that are doing this most successfully are the ones that invest in upskilling programs, reimagine work structures, and implement new technologies to improve their operations.
They are also the ones who are best-managing workplace transitions while remaining compliant and adhering to safety standards, such as those who get an induction checklist with Altora for tasks like keeping abreast of regulatory requirements and streamlining the onboarding processes.
Automation and AI
Manufacturing and logistics have long been impacted by robotic automation. However, white-collar professions are now seeing automation and AI technologies revolutionise their workflows across multiple industries.
Finance, for one, is enjoying increased efficiency thanks to AI-powered risk assessments and fraud detection, while in healthcare, machine learning is helping medical professionals generate faster diagnoses. We’ve also all benefitted, no doubt, from chatbots and AI-driven recommendations that have enhanced our retail experiences during online shopping.
Despite many people having concerns about job losses, history does show that technological progress creates as many, if not more, opportunities as it disrupts. This sentiment is backed up by the World Economic Forum, which predicts that by 2025, automation and AI could displace 85 million jobs worldwide while simultaneously creating 97 million new roles.
In Australia, the challenge will be to ensure that displaced workers are reskilled to transition into emerging industries, particularly in data analytics, cybersecurity, AI development, and digital marketing.
Digital Skills Gap
One of the most pressing concerns facing the Australian workforce is the digital skills gap because as more industries embrace automation and digital tools, the demand for tech-savvy professionals is outpacing supply.
A report by the National Skills Commission indicates that the Australian economy will require an additional 156,000 technology workers by 2025, which is good news for workers, aside from the fact many Australians lack the technical proficiency to perform these roles.
To address this, the government and private sector are investing in digital literacy programs, such as the Digital Skills Organisation (DSO) and encouraging university partnerships with tech firms to equip workers with the necessary knowledge to excel in a tech-driven economy.
Businesses, too, are showing initiative by upskilling their employees through training programs, coding bootcamps, and providing them access to online learning platforms.
Remote/Hybrid Work
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards remote work, during which time technology was central to this transition.
Many companies quickly adopted video conferencing, cloud computing, and collaborative software to help them maintain good productivity levels outside of traditional office settings. Although some businesses have returned to in-office work, many have now permanently given employees the flexibility of working remotely at least one day a week.
However, remote work can be challenging, and concerns over cybersecurity, employee engagement, and work-life balance persist. Some studies suggest that a well-implemented remote work strategy can boost productivity, reduce costs, and improve employee satisfaction. That said, there is a school of thought that people might not work as effectively as they might if they are away from an office setting.
Given Australia’s vast geography, remote work also enables companies to decentralise employment, which allows skilled professionals in regional areas to access roles that were once unattainable without moving home.
Freelancing in the Gig Economy
Thanks to platforms like Uber, Airtasker, and Upwork, it has become easier for workers to take on freelance or contract-based employment. This is particularly beneficial for single parents, carers and those who require greater flexibility and autonomy than a traditional office job can give them.
While this model suits many, it raises questions about job security, benefits, and fair wages. Additionally, it seems likely that regulations around superannuation, minimum wage guarantees, and workplace rights for gig workers are likely to be a focal point in the coming years.
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
Data breaches, ransomware attacks, and phishing scams are now a constant threat in business. So, with there being an increased reliance on digital platforms, cybersecurity has become a major concern for all Australian companies.
The government is trying to do its bit to help through initiatives like the Cyber Security Strategy 2020, which aims to bolster Australia’s defences against cyber threats.
However, businesses must take a proactive approach by implementing strong authentication protocols, regular security audits, and incident response plans to safeguard sensitive data.
They also need to better train their employees to mitigate risks.