Australia’s first AI-fluent work cohort is embracing the technology, despite most believing it will lead to fewer jobs.
A new Microsoft Australia survey found Gen Z workers, those aged under 28, were approaching artificial intelligence at work with “cautious optimism”.
Microsoft ANZ National Technology Officer Sarah Carney said the study found 71 percent of young Australians worried that AI could lead to fewer jobs, yet eight in 10 said their AI skills had boosted their visibility with leaders and influence in shaping strategy.
“Our first AI-fluent generation is moving fast with technology, but with eyes wide open,” Ms Carney said.
She said survey of early-career professionals across Australia, conducted in August, showed a generation navigating simultaneous optimism and career anxiety about the same technology.
“Rather than letting fear hold them back, this is fuelling Gen Z to take charge of their careers, using AI to work smarter while keeping a critical eye on its outputs.”
Ms Carney said 83 percent reported that senior leaders had asked them for help or ideas on using AI and 78 percent had introduced a new AI tool, workflow, shortcut, or prompt “hack” that was later adopted more broadly.
She said a digital divide was emerging that risked creating a two-speed workforce, with 30 percent of young workers saying they were not given access to AI tools from their employer, raising organisational data security and confidentiality concerns.
“AI should be a launchpad for every worker, not a privilege for a few. Especially for young professionals whose entire careers will be shaped by how they harness AI.
“Even in heavily regulated sectors, the answer isn’t to stand still; it’s to adopt AI safely and responsibly, because there is also the risk of doing nothing.”
Ms Carney said this generation wasn’t naive to AI’s limitations and while appreciating the productivity boost, also asked hard questions about how AI could erode the deep learning and critical thinking that helped talent grow.
She said 49 percent of Gen Z felt they didn’t learn new content as deeply as they did before AI was part of their daily toolkit, yet, 92 percent were confident in their ability to critically assess and challenge AI generated outputs.
Download: Ctrl+Career How Gen Z are redefining success at work with AI
