AI Brain Fry: Three in Five Australians Say AI Is Making Work More Stressful
Announcement posted by 360PR 16 Jun 2026
Artificial intelligence was supposed to make work easier, but new research from people2people Recruitment suggests many Australian workers are experiencing the opposite.
The survey found that three in five Australians say AI has made their job more stressful, highlighting a growing workplace challenge as employees struggle to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology, changing expectations and concerns about what AI means for their future careers.
Key Findings:
- 3 in 5 Australians say AI has made their job more stressful
- 51% are concerned AI could eventually replace jobs
- 32% feel overwhelmed by the pressure to learn new AI tools and skills
- 36% believe misinformation is the biggest workplace risk associated with AI
"Everyone talks about the productivity benefits of AI, but we're now starting to see the human impact emerge," says Suhini Wijayasinghe, Head of HR Solutions at people2people Recruitment.
"Employees are being asked to learn new tools, adapt to changing processes and understand rapidly evolving technology while still delivering on their day-to-day responsibilities. For many workers, that constant pressure is becoming overwhelming."
The research found learning pressure is the biggest contributor to AI-related stress, with 32% of workers saying they feel overwhelmed by the need to continuously learn new AI tools and skills. A further 31% worry about making mistakes when using AI, while 24% say they are struggling to keep up with the sheer volume of AI information, updates and developments. Another 13% say there are simply too many AI tools entering the workplace.
According to Wijayasinghe, the findings point to a new form of workplace fatigue. "We're seeing what many employees would describe as AI overload. Workers aren't necessarily resisting the technology, they're exhausted by the pace of change. Many feel like they're expected to become AI experts overnight, and that's creating significant anxiety."
Job security remains the dominant concern. More than half of respondents (51%) say they are worried AI could eventually replace jobs, while 24% are concerned about the constant change AI is bringing to workplaces. Others worry about increased monitoring and surveillance (16%) or being left behind because they don't have the right skills (9%).
"Even employees who are actively embracing AI are questioning what it means for their future," says Wijayasinghe. "When headlines continually focus on automation and job displacement, it's understandable that workers are feeling uncertain. The challenge for employers is helping employees see AI as a tool that supports their work, rather than a threat to their livelihood."
The research also highlights growing concerns around the broader workplace impacts of AI:
- More than one-third of workers (36%) believe misinformation and inaccurate AI-generated content pose the biggest risk
- 29% point to rising job anxiety
- 25% are concerned AI could reduce creativity and critical thinking
- 10% believe it is contributing to workplace burnout
"AI is creating opportunities, but it's also creating new pressures that many organisations haven't fully recognised," says Wijayasinghe.
"If employees don't trust the information AI produces, worry about job security and feel overwhelmed by constant change, those concerns can quickly impact engagement, wellbeing and productivity."
Despite the challenges, Wijayasinghe says the findings shouldn't be interpreted as resistance to AI, but rather a call for better support and education. "Most employees understand that AI is becoming part of the future of work. What they're asking for is clearer guidance, realistic expectations and the confidence that they'll be supported as workplaces continue to evolve."
She says successful AI adoption requires organisations to focus as much on people as they do on technology. "Businesses have invested heavily in AI tools, but they now need to invest equally in helping employees use them effectively. The organisations that succeed will be the ones that build confidence rather than fear and provide employees with the skills and support they need to navigate this change."
PR Contact: Lisa Solomons @ 360 PR | e: lisa@360pr.com.au | p: 0416 175 518 (* over 1,200 respondents)