Consulting employees when AI changes how work is done

Guidance on consulting employees about AI at work is being written now, and Commonwealth agencies already have something fairly practical to work with.

The Australian Public Service Commission has published guidance on how existing employee consultation requirements apply when AI changes the way work is done.

A week later, the Federal Government brought together employers including CBA, Microsoft, Telstra and AGL to help develop broader best-practice guidance for AI in the workplace.

The APSC guidance gives some useful examples. An optional AI writing assistant may have little impact on how someone works. An AI-enabled case management system that changes workflows, training needs or performance expectations may require consultation.

For HR technology programs, we need to assess how changes affect employees' responsibilities, and be conscious that regulation is building.

Consider whether consultation is required, when it needs to happen, and what needs to be allowed for in the implementation plan.

Close out that analysis before design and implementation decisions are locked in.