The Business Council of Australia has today released a practical guide to help businesses adopt artificial intelligence in ways that build worker trust and confidence, and lift productivity across the economy.
Getting it Right: Best Practice AI Adoption in the Workplace, developed with BCA members across a range of sectors, includes practical examples of how businesses are already using AI to improve work processes, strengthen decision-making and deliver better outcomes for customers and organisations.
The guide reflects a commitment by the business community to take responsibility for getting AI adoption right and giving workers and employers a clear path forward.
Business Council Chief Executive Bran Black said the businesses that work with their employees to get AI adoption right will come out ahead.
“This isn’t about imposing technology on people. It’s about making sure that when AI comes into the workplace, employees have more confidence in how it is used to improve their jobs, and that everyone can capture the productivity gains that come with that,” Mr Black said.
“Australian business isn’t waiting to be told how to do this. We’ve worked through what good looks like and we’re putting it out there for any employer to use, regardless of size, sector or stage of AI adoption.”
Mr Black said questions about AI are being asked at kitchen tables, boardrooms and in work lunchrooms right now, and businesses that can’t answer them will find AI harder to implement, not easier.
“AI is a real opportunity for Australian workers and businesses, leading to productivity growth, better wages and stronger businesses.”
“The businesses that move on this opportunity stand to gain, and so do those who work for them,” Mr Black said.
The guide makes clear that employers must comply with applicable consultation obligations, while setting out practical principles for employee engagement, testing and co-design where suitable, capability building, responsible employee innovation, and human accountability for important employment decisions.
It outlines the governance settings needed to support responsible implementation, including clear ownership, risk assessment, ongoing oversight and board-level accountability.
The guide also makes clear that safeguards should match the level of risk, with lighter touch approaches for low-risk productivity tools and stronger protections where the stakes are higher.
Australia ranks 21st out of 42 on investment competitiveness, according to the BCA’s Global Investment Competitiveness Index.
Mr Black said Australia has no room to be complacent, as the shift to AI is already underway and the question is whether Australia is ahead of it or behind it.
“Countries and businesses that seize the opportunity early will be more productive, more competitive and create new opportunities for workers,” Mr Black said.
“Done well, AI is a genuine chance for Australian workers and businesses to get ahead. Done poorly, it damages trust which is very hard to rebuild.”