Workers 26% more satisfied when using AI frequently, report finds

Frequent use of AI among workers was found to lead to higher levels of life satisfaction and higher confidence in career advancement and skill development, research has revealed.

For its report, Work and Wellbeing in the Age of AI, Jabra and the Happiness Research Institute collected survey responses from 3,700 knowledge workers across 11 countries (including 300 Australians) to explore the connection between generative AI (GenAI) use and wellbeing at work and everyday life.

AI-led positive sentiment

Based on the report’s findings, Australian workers who used AI frequently were found to be 26 per cent more satisfied with their jobs than infrequent AI users. The research also revealed that frequent AI users were 45 per cent more optimistic about their future job satisfaction compared to workers who were infrequent AI users.

“Australia is amplifying global AI trends, not just mirroring them,” David Piggott (pictured), vice president and managing director at Jabra ANZ, said.

Meik Wiking, chief executive at The Happiness Research Institute, stressed that AI’s role in productivity is overdone, and it must begin to be talked about in terms of psychology.

Wiking added that companies should look at the impacts that AI has on identity, motivation and what people believe their future looks like.

“The future of work isn’t just technological – it’s emotional,” Wiking said.

Workplace and life satisfaction linked

Seventy-eight per cent of respondents who were highly satisfied with their jobs also reported high life satisfaction. This was in stark contrast with the 13 per cent of job-unsatisfied respondents who reported high life satisfaction.

Piggott said the research “clearly demonstrates” a link between workplace happiness and life happiness.

“Globally, daily AI users are 34 per cent more satisfied at work. Australian workers pair that uplift with much stronger optimism about purpose and future enjoyment,” Piggott said.

Piggott said the link between AI usage and workplace satisfaction “opens the door” to understanding the intersection between technology and wellbeing “more deeply”.

A shift that is central

Although frequent AI use was found to lead to greater levels of satisfaction, about one in two Aussie workers reported that technical training (51 per cent) and upskilling (46 per cent) were necessary in preparation for the AI transition, it found.

“HR teams must focus on building AI confidence, reducing friction, and creating emotionally intelligent workplaces,” Piggott said.

Three in 10 (30 per cent) Aussie workers said their organisations have taken no steps to prepare them for AI use, and only 34 per cent of Australians reported using AI “daily” or “hourly”, the data revealed.

“AI has the potential to bolster outcomes and boost wellbeing among workers, but only if the work is done now to show employees how to make the most of it,” the report said.

“As AI becomes a regular part of the workplace, there is growing potential to build environments that foster both productivity and wellbeing.”

Piggott said: “Our research shows this shift isn’t optional, but central to how people experience work now and in the future.”