Morgan McKinley’s Global 2026 Workplace Trends Report has suggested that Australian employees are embracing AI at a faster pace than many of their global counterparts. Thr report has found more than half (57 per cent) say they have used AI or automation tools when searching for a job or interviewing, compared with 43 per cent globally.
However, greater adoption of AI is accompanied by heightened concerns about its impact on the workplace. Nearly half (42 per cent) of Australian employees believe their role is at risk of being affected by restructuring, automation or cost-cutting in 2026, above the global average of 37 per cent.
The findings suggest Australia’s workforce is becoming increasingly comfortable using AI to support their careers, while also recognising the potential impact that technology could have on future job security. For employers, this highlights the importance of balancing AI adoption with clear communication, investment in employee skills and reassurance around organisational change.
AI is continuing to reshape the global workforce, according to the report. Some 43 per cent of employees globally are now using AI or automation tools when searching for a job, up from 26 per cent in 2025.
At the same time, nearly half (46 per cent) remain uncomfortable with AI being used to assess interview performance, underlining the importance of transparency and trust as organisations introduce AI into recruitment.
Demand for AI capability is also increasing. Seven in ten (70 per cent) employees identified AI and data skills as their top professional development priority, yet more than half (56 per cent) believe their employer is not investing enough in their learning and development.
Organisations that pair AI adoption with continued investment in people will be best placed to attract, retain and develop talent in an increasingly AI-enabled workplace.
While AI is reshaping how people work and look for jobs, the report highlights broader workforce challenges. Globally, almost half of employees (49 per cent) said they are planning to actively look for a new job in the next six months, despite 63 per cent of employers expecting no headcount reductions in 2026.
The report points to a gap between employer plans and employee confidence. While many employers expect to maintain headcount, only 43 per cent of employees described themselves as secure or very secure in their current role.
More than a third (37 per cent) believe their role could be affected by restructuring, automation or cost-cutting. If they felt their job was at risk, 85 per cent said they would start applying for new roles, while 64 per cent said they would develop new skills or certifications.
Pay is also adding to the pressure. Nearly 70 per cent of employees globally said they had not received a salary increase in the past six months, up from 65 per cent in 2025.
Dominic Bareham, Managing Director of Morgan McKinley Australia commented: “Australian workers are among the most active users of AI in our research, particularly when it comes to searching for jobs and preparing for interviews. At the same time, they’re more likely than the global average to be concerned about the impact of automation on their own roles.
“This presents both an opportunity and a challenge for employers. As organisations continue to invest in AI, they will need to ensure employees understand how these technologies are being introduced, while continuing to invest in skills development and communicating openly about change.
“The organisations that combine AI adoption with transparency and investment in people will be best placed to build confidence, retain talent and unlock the full benefits of AI,” Bareham concluded.
