AI curiosity fuels new wave of employee-led innovation in Australia
- Written by Haydn Sallmann, Director, Google Workspace, Asia Pacific
Leaders across Australia are asking themselves how they can ensure their employees get the most out of AI. We recently conducted research to help answer this question and discovered that a lot of it boils down to one thing — curiosity.
Australian workers are taking the lead in shaping how AI transforms the workplace. Curiosity is becoming the driving force behind real innovation, and organisations that nurture it are reaping the benefits.
Freeing Time for Meaningful Work
Our research shows that employees report AI can automate a quarter of their “busy work,” saving an average of 2.5 hours a week. Most of that time is reinvested into higher-value activities such as problem-solving, strategic decision-making, and collaboration. Curiosity spreads naturally: when one person finds a better way to work, others adopt it. Organisations that fuel this curiosity see innovation accelerate, boosting both productivity and engagement.
Gen Z and Millennials lead AI experimentation at work
Millennials and Gen Z are particularly willing to experiment with AI tools, share insights, and explore beyond approved applications. Nearly 90% of these employees say AI has increased their confidence in their roles. Their early adoption isn’t just shaping tools, it’s shaping the culture of work itself, proving that curiosity and initiative are as critical as technology.
Xero Shows Curiosity in Action
Xero began its Google Workspace with Gemini journey in 2024 and before successfully deploying it, the team undertook an extensive pilot phase with 250 employees. The result? High engagement, with around 70% of participants using Gemini multiple times a week. Thanks to Gemini, 88% of the team were able to reinvest time saved into higher-value, strategic work.
Curiosity as a Competitive Advantage
Curiosity is more than a nice-to-have — it’s a competitive advantage. Organisations that empower employees to explore, experiment, and share insights create an environment where innovation thrives naturally. In fact, 79% of workers say their organisation supports experimenting with AI, while 60% already have formal AI usage policies. Companies that embrace curiosity unlock productivity, creativity, and engagement simultaneously.
The Takeaway for Australian Businesses
AI is not just technology — it’s a cultural shift. Organisations that lean into curiosity and embed AI into daily workflows, give employees the tools and autonomy to experiment, and encourage sharing of insights unlock the full potential of AI. The results are clear: time saved, smarter work, greater collaboration, and higher engagement. The opportunity for Australian businesses is to transform the way they work, innovate faster, and create an environment where employees lead the change.
