Data security the biggest concern as AI adoption grows in Australia

Security remains a key focus area for businesses as AI continues to embed itself into mainstream practices. While many knowledge workers are using AI tools independently at work, business-wide adoption is still gaining momentum with 37% of workers noting data security as their primary concern when using AI-powered technology. A lack of trust around AI outputs (33%) was also cited as a top challenge already being faced by workers. Beyond this, Lucid found that a majority of Australian knowledge workers (62%) believe human input should always be the primary driver of work, with AI as a support tool — indicating that workers remain hesitant in using AI to streamline aspects of work.

Future-gazing, Lucid found that being replaced by AI is a primary concern among workers with 45% anticipating this to be a significant challenge as the adoption of AI-powered visual collaboration tools grows. However, more than a third of workers don’t believe adoption of AI tools will grow significantly in the next five years, highlighting conflicting levels of importance put on the technology by different sectors. 

“It is imperative that teams are fully aligned on the security and systems in place around AI implementation. This alignment will ensure there are clear guidelines and employees feel confident using the technology in a compliant and safe way, “ said David Torgerson, VP of Technology and Security at Lucid Software.

“I recommend executives spend time creating and getting specific about these guidelines so their teams know the best way forward and security remains top of mind. They can do this by leading by example—engaging directly with AI tools, attending training sessions, and exploring practical applications within their own roles. Just like with any tool, knowing how to use it is often what drives the best results. This hands-on experience not only helps them understand the technology’s benefits and limitations but also demonstrates a commitment to safe and effective usage, setting a standard for the rest of the team,” he continued. 

Despite fears around AI, Lucid also found many workers see the benefits it can bring to the workplace. Over half (56%) of workers identified improved productivity as a key driver of workplace AI adoption. Beyond this, 66% anticipate the implementation of AI-powered tools will positively impact their job satisfaction, and 54% believe it will help to improve work-life balance.

To learn more about the survey and its global results, visit https://lucid.co/blog/ai-adoption-survey-2024

About Lucid Software

Lucid Software is the leader in visual collaboration, helping teams see and build the future from idea to reality. With its products—Lucidchart, Lucidspark, and Lucidscale—teams can align around a shared vision, clarify complexity, and collaborate visually, no matter where they're located. Top businesses use Lucid's products all around the world, including customers such as Google, GE and NBC Universal, and 99% of the Fortune 500. Lucid's partners include industry leaders such as Google, Atlassian and Microsoft. Since the company's founding, it has received numerous awards for its products, business and workplace culture. For more information, visit lucid.co.

Methodology 

The results in this report are from an online survey of 2,144 knowledge workers that was fielded from August 13 to 29, 2024. Additionally a filter was applied to the report and 286 responses from Australia are included. Respondents have been screened from a population of full-time staff, 25- to 64-years old, in firms with at least 10 employees.