Back to Articles
Simpler is Smarter: AI is Making Workplaces Dumber

The Australian

ENRICHED

Authors (1)

Description

Australian companies have adopted AI at record rates, yet a former Atlassian futurist says the technology is actively making workers more exhausted, not more productive as output growth lingers at 60-year lows.

Summary

This report examines how the rapid adoption of AI by Australian companies is failing to deliver promised productivity gains, with output growth hitting 60-year lows. Evidence suggests the technology may be increasing worker exhaustion rather than streamlining workflows, a phenomenon explored by experts like Dom Price. While it does not focus on existential risks, it highlights the immediate governance challenge of managing the misalignment between frontier AI deployment and effective human-centric workplace outcomes in Australia.

Body

Simpler is smarter: AI is making workplaces dumberAustralian companies have adopted AI at record rates, yet a former Atlassian futurist says the technology is actively making workers more exhausted, not more productive as output growth lingers at 60-year lows. All your news for a great price Unlock this story and more with your subscription Digital Pay As You Go $1 a week for 4 weeks($4 min. cost). Then $44 charged every 4 weeks.* No lock-in contract Unlimited access on app & web A digital version of Today’s Paper Daily puzzles & Mind Games Complimentary access to The Wall Street Journal *Read the fine print The Australian Digital subscription costs $4 charged for a duration of 4 weeks, after which it automatically renews to $44 charged every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Prices after any early discounted periods may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. Digital 12 Month Plan $8 a week for the first 12 months($416 min. cost) charged as $32 every 4 weeks. Then $32 charged every 4 weeks.* Lock in & save Enjoy all the benefits of a Digital subscription to The Australian Plus Lock in & save over 12 months *Read the fine print The Australian Digital 12 Month Plan costs $416 (min. cost) for the first 12 months, charged as $32 every 4 weeks. This automatically renews after the first 12 months to be charged as $32 (min. cost) every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. No cancellations during the first 12 months. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. Subscribe Other subscription options Print + Digital Subscriptions Corporate Subscriptions Your Selection: $0 Your Selection – Change selection Today’s Total $0 Read the fine print Terms and Conditions Sorry, we are unable to process your request at this time. Please try again later.