Key Insights from the 2025 Report:
While the report is Queensland-based, its themes and insights apply across Australia. Businesses everywhere are navigating the same trends in digital adoption, workforce expectations, and technological disruption.
Artificial intelligence and automation
AI is here, but businesses are only scratching the surface. The report found that 73% of organisations have only a basic understanding of AI and its applications, with just 3% considering themselves experts. Eight in ten are using AI in a limited way, or not at all.
The challenge for leaders is to move beyond experimentation and make deliberate choices about how to reinvest the time savings (around 30% on average), whether into doing more, doing better, or creating something new.
Cyber security
Encouragingly, the proportion of businesses reporting cyber attacks dropped from 15% in 2024 to 12% in 2025. Yet the impact remains severe for those affected, with some respondents saying attacks had ruined their businesses and lives. The message is clear: resilience is improving, but the basics, such as the government’s Essential 8, remain essential.
Workplace arrangements
Hybrid and flexible models are here to stay. More businesses are leaning toward onsite work (53%, up from pre-pandemic levels), but most agree productivity has not been negatively impacted. This highlights a new era of workplace balance where culture, clarity, and flexibility are as important as efficiency.
Skills and credentials
Micro-credentialing is gaining traction, enabling businesses to address urgent skills shortages with shorter, targeted learning options. This shift away from traditional multi-year qualifications is reshaping how employers approach recruitment, retention, and career development.
Internet connectivity
Connectivity issues continue to be a barrier to competitiveness, particularly in regional and rural areas. Despite improvements, nearly half of businesses reported being impacted by unreliable internet access. This remains a critical challenge for enabling digital participation across Australia.
Imported workforce
Major infrastructure projects and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are driving demand for skills. More than half of businesses see a need to attract interstate or international talent within the next five years.
Although framed through a Queensland lens, these themes apply across Australia. Businesses everywhere are facing the same questions:
- How can AI be harnessed to enhance productivity and innovation?
- Is cyber resilience strong enough to meet the next wave of digital risk?
- Do workplace models support both performance and wellbeing?
- How do we adapt skills development quickly enough to meet demand?
At Versed, we see these challenges and opportunities reflected across the industries we work with, including construction, agriculture, technology, and healthcare.
The 2025 Digital Future of Work Report is a practical tool for business leaders to step back, reflect, and prepare for what comes next. You can download it HERE.
For us, the strongest message from this year’s launch was clear: It is not too late to start, but the time to act is now.
