HP Inc has released its second annual HP Work Relationship Index (WRI), highlighting two potential solutions for improving work satisfaction: personalised work experiences and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI).
The study, surveying 15,600 respondents across 12 countries, reveals that work is increasingly misaligned with employee expectations, with only 27 per cent of Australian knowledge workers reporting a healthy relationship with work—slightly below the global average.
The findings showed Australia saw the third-largest year-over-year improvement in its WRI score, rising five points, behind the US and Indonesia.
Despite this improvement, there is a growing emphasis on the need for tailored work environments and the benefits of AI to improve work outcomes.
In particular, more than two-thirds expressed a desire for customisable workspaces, preferred technology, and flexible working environments.
Notably, 92 per cent of Australian respondents indicated a willingness to sacrifice a portion of their salary for a more personalised work experience, with an average of 13 per cent of salary foregone for better work-life balance and flexibility.
Furthermore, 72 per cent of Australian knowledge workers believe that personalisation would improve their relationship with work, while 68 per cent think it would enhance their overall well-being and loyalty to their current employer.
The use of AI in the workplace has surged in Australia, with 69 per cent of knowledge workers reporting its use, a significant increase from 32 per cent in 2023. Australian AI adoption also exceeds the global average of 66 per cent, with workers increasingly recognising its potential to improve their work experience.
According to the report, 59 per cent of Australian knowledge workers believe AI helps them achieve a better work-life balance, while 67 per cent say it opens up new opportunities to enjoy their jobs.
Additionally, 68 per cent agree that understanding AI better would help advance their careers, and 66 per cent report that AI makes their jobs easier.
However, challenges remain. A quarter of workers using AI say their companies do not provide adequate AI training, and concerns over job displacement due to AI have risen, with 38 per cent of non-users expressing fear of being replaced—up 7 per cent from the previous year.
The findings suggest an urgent need for businesses to equip their workforce with the skills and tools necessary to integrate AI effectively.
The report highlights a lack of confidence among Australian business leaders in their ability to demonstrate critical human skills such as empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence.
While 91 per cent of leaders recognise the importance of empathy, only 38 per cent feel confident in their ability to deliver it effectively.
Furthermore, just 26 per cent of Australian workers consistently experience empathetic leadership, despite 73 per cent valuing emotional intelligence.
On a positive note, female leaders emerged as a bright spot in this year’s index, with higher confidence in both hard and human skills compared to their male counterparts.
Female business leaders are, on average, nine points more confident in their technical abilities and two points more confident in their human skills.
For further details on the HP Work Relationship Index, including access to the full report, visit the HP Newsroom.
