A new analysis shows artificial intelligence is set to change the way Australian tech workers do their jobs, but not by making them obsolete. Instead, AI will give them more time to focus on complex and creative work.
The study, conducted by education company Pearson, looked at the daily tasks of software developers, computer systems analysts, and network architects. It found that in the next five years, workers in these roles could save between 4.5 and 7 hours a week by using AI effectively.
Craig McFarlane, Pearson’s Asia Pacific executive, said businesses need to rethink how they approach talent.
“We can’t afford to keep chasing talent externally. The real opportunity lies in rethinking the structure of roles so we can unlock the capacity we already have,” he said.
According to him, AI isn’t about replacing people but about creating space that can be reinvested in upskilling, creativity, and innovation.
The research analysed 76,600 different tasks across the IT sector and assessed the likely impact of 34 emerging technologies. The results suggest AI will allow workers to shift their focus toward higher-level, critical-thinking tasks rather than repetitive ones.
“That’s nearly a day each week that can be reinvested into strategic, creative, or growth-focused work,” McFarlane said.
He added that if businesses start redesigning roles now, they can address skills gaps more effectively, improve retention, and strengthen competitiveness while preparing their workforce for the future.
