Supporting Generative AI Adoption by Workers: The Role of Employers
Last updated: 26 November 2025
Commencement date:
July 2025
End date:
March 2026
Report published:
April 2026
Overview
This project explores the variability in AI adoption among diverse worker cohorts in finance, technology, and business. It aims to create practical resources for employers to enhance generative AI adoption among workers, improving business practices and digital skills.
The broad adoption of AI across the Australian economy would significantly boost productivity and GDP.
Our previous research shows that AI adoption is variable across different demographic groups. It also highlighted the importance of organisational maturity to facilitate AI adoption, and the role of employers in building that maturity, by preparing their workforces through training, safely implementing AI processes, and measuring the impact of AI adoption on both business performance and workforce outcomes.
Research findings: What we’ve learnt so far
The first phase of this project examined behavioural factors influencing generative AI adoption in the finance, technology and business sectors.
Drawing on national and international evidence, the
Cognitive, social and economic factors influencing adoption of generative AI by workers report explores why some workers embrace generative AI, while others face barriers.
The research was prepared by the ARC Training Centre for Behavioural Insights for Technology Adoption. Key findings include:
- Informal ‘shadow AI’ use by workers is outpacing formal workplace adoption
- Trust and usability are critical drivers of adoption
- Small to medium enterprises and priority cohorts face steeper barriers
- There’s a need for adaptive governance aligned with standards
- Demand is growing for AI-complementary capabilities
- Clear guidelines, safe experimentation, and ongoing skills development are needed to support effective and equitable adoption.
These insights will inform practical, employer-ready resources developed in the next phase of this project.
Download a copy of the report in the “Documents” tab above.
Consultation & Feedback
A Working Group has been established and will play an active role in co-designing support resources for employers. Details of the Working Group members is provided in the “Documents” tab.