Australian mid-sized businesses are leading the way in AI adoption, outpacing their larger counterparts and positioning themselves for exponential growth.
New research from Humanova, a consulting firm focused on the future of work, reveals that mid-sized SMEs (50-99 employees) are ahead in AI usage, with 35% of their workforce classified as “power users” – those who use generative AI daily and drive organisational transformation. In comparison, only 25% of employees in larger SMEs fall into this category.
“Power users signal an organisation’s AI maturity and provide a window into the future of work,” says Dr Sean Gallagher, founder of Humanova and author of the report.
“What’s surprising is that mid-sized SMEs have 35% of their workforce as power users, versus just 25% across larger SMEs. It’s not the large corporations leading the charge, but agile mid-sized businesses that are showing us the future of work.”
The Role of Leadership in Driving AI Adoption
One of the key advantages of mid-sized SMEs is their leadership approach. With decision-makers in mid-sized businesses more likely to be power users (68% compared to 46% in larger firms), these organisations are leading by example. This hands-on leadership style, combined with more agile organisational structures, enables quicker decision-making and adoption of new technologies.
According to McKinsey, only 39% of executives in large companies across the Asia-Pacific regularly use generative AI for work. This stark difference highlights the unique advantage smaller businesses have in responding to new technology. Moreover, with 41% of knowledge workers in decision-making roles, compared to 30% in larger firms, mid-sized businesses are better positioned to implement AI efficiently.
AI as a Game Changer for Productivity
The research points out that mid-sized businesses are leveraging AI not just for cost-saving but to enhance capacity. Power users, for instance, save up to a full day each week on routine tasks, boosting overall organisational capacity by 20%. This productivity increase enables teams to focus more on high-value work, which is vital for maintaining a competitive edge.
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Liam Lenaghan, Founder and Managing Director of GO.FARM, a $1.3 billion agricultural investment firm featured in the report, confirms the findings.
“The adoption of AI is something businesses need to embrace to maintain a competitive advantage. We’ve seen a productivity unlock, and for many of our team, this has meant more focus on high-value outputs by simplifying administrative and basic operational tasks.”
Preparing for the AI Future
As AI continues to evolve, businesses must prepare for the next wave of change. Dr Gallagher warns, “The emergence of AI agents in 2025 will dramatically reshape work. Organisations developing workforce AI maturity now will be better positioned to implement these autonomous systems, while those who wait risk falling permanently behind.”
To help businesses navigate this shift, the report outlines a practical three-phase framework for building AI capability: setting foundations through governance and infrastructure, fostering collaborative learning and experimentation, and embedding AI proficiency into the organisational DNA.
For public relations professionals, this shift underscores the urgency of understanding how AI will change not just internal workflows, but also how organisations communicate with the world. Being AI-ready means being able to adapt messaging, manage reputational risks, and engage stakeholders in more responsive, data-driven ways.
The future of work will not just belong to those with the most AI tools, but to those who can harness the full potential of AI through well-trained, empowered teams. For mid-sized businesses, the time to act is now.
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
