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New research reveals that Australian employees using AI at work are reclaiming an average of two hours per day - time that could prove crucial in addressing burnout in Australia's growing workplaces.
The nationally representative survey of more than 1,000 Australian employees found that AI users save time equivalent to 520 hours annually, creating opportunities for both professional development and personal wellbeing that could significantly reduce workplace stress.
Where the 520 Hours Go
The research shows how AI users are spending their reclaimed time in ways that could build resilience against burnout:
Professional development and learning: 35% invest in upskilling
Process improvement: 34% streamline their workflows
Additional work tasks: 34% complete more core work
Non-work activities: 23% focus on personal wellbeing
Wellbeing initiatives: 16% specifically engage in wellness activities
Significantly, 69% of users dedicate at least some saved time to professional growth or process improvement - activities that could reduce future workplace stress by building competence and efficiency.
Younger Workers Lead AI Adoption at 80%
The research reveals that younger generations are better positioned to benefit from AI's time-saving potential: 80% of workers aged 18-24 use AI tools compared to just 30% of employees over 65. With younger workers saving nearly 13 hours weekly through AI, they have the capacity to meaningfully invest in wellbeing activities.
However, only 16% of AI users currently dedicate saved time to wellbeing initiatives. As younger, tech-enabled workers become the majority, HR leaders have an ongoing opportunity to guide this reclaimed time towards structured wellness programs that actively address burnout.
For HR leaders, the research suggests that supporting AI adoption alongside structured wellbeing programs could address both productivity and employee wellness challenges simultaneously.
