HP Inc. has released a new report that reveals a stark decline in the relationship between Australian workers and their jobs, with only 14% of knowledge workers reporting a healthy relationship with work.  

This figure is the second lowest among the 14 countries surveyed and represents a 13-point drop from 2024, according to HP’s Work Relationship Index (WRI), a comprehensive global study that examines how people around the world feel about their relationship with work. 

Why it matters

Loyalty and fulfilment are eroding. Fewer workers feel proud of their company, would recommend it as a great place to work, or see themselves staying for two more years. The data points to meaningful declines in leadership and people-centricity, signalling that employees feel less cared for and less connected to purpose.

“The traditional employment model has fractured. Global disruption, economic pressures, and changing workplace expectations have created an environment that feels more demanding and less rewarding” said HP’s Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand Brad Pulford.  

What the data shows

Workers in finance, professional services, manufacturing, and education all experienced double-digit drops in WRI scores. Even business leaders experienced a sharp 15-point decrease, reflecting the pressures of a challenging business environment. Purpose and recognition are weak spots: only 44% of knowledge workers say their work gives them a sense of purpose, and just 39% feel they receive adequate recognition for their contributions. These are fixable problems that will be critical as businesses seek to embrace a more fulfilling future of work.

Change and pressure are reshaping work

More than half of Australian workers experienced workplace changes in the past year; from cost-cutting and redundancies to shifts in hybrid arrangements. A majority (58%) also feel that employer demands and expectations have increased.

Technology and AI offer a bright spot:

Amidst these challenges, technology and AI are a source of optimism. The report reveals that 77% of Australians use AI at work, with 31% using it daily. This growth in AI adoption is now being driven by older generations, with boomers catching up to their younger counterparts. Employees who work for companies that invest in providing the right tools and AI are up to five times more likely to have a healthy relationship with work. 

Employer Playbook: practical moves for 2025

With many drivers of fulfilment within an organisation’s control, leaders can act now to reset how work gets done. Pay and conditions are important conversations. But one bright spot in the survey was technology, which is helping to make workplaces better. But technology is most powerful when it’s thoughtfully deployed, and part of a broader package of consistent, human-centred changes 

• Recognition that lands: Elevate frequent, specific recognition linked to values and outcomes. 
• Equitable hybrid collaboration: Make meetings purposeful and inclusive; design in-office time around collaboration, not presenteeism. 
• Protect focus, reduce friction: Cut tool sprawl and context-switching; streamline workflows so meaningful work time grows. 
• Responsible AI that gives time back: Provide clear guardrails, training, and role-relevant use cases so AI augments work rather than overwhelms it. 
• Manager capability as the multiplier: Equip managers to set clarity, balance workloads, and maintain regular, high-quality check-ins. 

“This is a wake-up call for every employer in Australia. Despite the pressures around us, the drivers of fulfilment sit largely with employers; how we lead, how we recognise people, and how we put technology to work so it restores focus. That’s the future of work Australians deserve: equitable collaboration, time back for focus, and AI that helps and never overwhelms.”

Australians are spending more time online than ever before, clocking an average of 41 hours per week, the equivalent of a full-time job and well above the global average of 33 hours. Nearly half that time is spent on social media, highlighting the growing dominance of social platforms in shaping how Australians connect, consume and make decisions.

That’s according to Digital 2026: Australia, released today by Meltwater, the global leader in media, social and consumer intelligence, and We Are Social, the socially-led creative agency. The annual report provides one of the most comprehensive views of digital behaviour in the country, tracking trends in media consumption, social media platform use, advertising and attitudes towards emerging technologies.

Social media now rivals search for brand discovery

The report reveals that 6 in 10 Australians use social media (including traditional social networks, forums, Q&A platforms and community boards) to research brands each month, almost matching the proportion using search engines. This presents a major opportunity for brands that optimise for social and AI-first search environments to capture intent earlier in the customer journey.

Reddit is on the rise in Australia

Australia has become one of the most active Reddit markets globally, with usage three times higher than the global average. The platform now reports a potential ad reach of over 23 million and ranks as Australia’s fifth most visited website, with users spending more time per session than on Facebook or Instagram, signalling untapped potential for brands seeking to engage high-intent communities authentically.

YouTube remains the most dominant platform

YouTube continues to dominate Australia’s attention economy. The platform reaches 80% of internet users, with a potential ad audience of 21 million. Australians spend more than 11 minutes per session on the app, longer than any other platform, and it’s the most opened and most watched mobile app in the country. Women aged 65 make up YouTube’s largest advertising audience segment, followed by women aged 35–44, flipping the stereotype of YouTube as a youth-focused platform.

Double-digit increase in social media and influencer marketing spend

Australia’s total advertising spend reached USD 20.7 billion in 2025, with digital accounting for 74% (USD 15.4 billion). On a per capita basis, Australia ranks third globally in digital ad spend, reaching USD $769 per person – and USD $586 per internet user. Social media captured USD 4.73 billion, an 11% year-on-year increase. Influencer marketing is also on the rise, now valued at USD 590 million, up 13.5% from the previous year, reflecting its growing role in brand building and conversion. Programmatic advertising also continues to play a dominant role, now accounting for 88.6% of Australia’s total digital ad revenue – placing the country in a tie for globally, alongside Spain.

AI adoption rises, but Australians remain wary

While 30% of Australians say they use ChatGPT monthly, only 34.2% express excitement about AI, placing Australia among the least enthusiastic countries globally. Yet ChatGPT drives over 85% of all chatbot-to-website referrals, signalling a shift from traditional SEO to ‘GEO’ (Generative Engine Optimisation).

Key insights from the report include:

• There are 21 million social media user identities in Australia, equal to 78% of the total population
• TikTok, YouTube and Instagram dominate time spent, with TikTok users averaging 1 hour and 14 minutes per day
• Facebook is still the leading source of web traffic referrals, responsible for 67% of all social platform link clicks
• 81% of Australians play video games, with mobile gaming the most popular format at 56%

Ross Candido, VP ANZ at Meltwater, said: “ As trust declines and algorithm fatigue grows, Australians are increasingly turning to content and people that feel real and credible. The rise of Reddit as one of the country’s most engaged platforms, alongside continued growth in influencer marketing spend, reflect a clear shift in where brand investment is headed. Authenticity is the currency for brands looking to cut through the noise – and the opportunity now lies in building value-aligned partnerships with creators who can drive meaningful and measurable impact. What’s more, with LLMs reshaping search, fake content on the rise and media more fragmented than ever, this year calls for a fundamental rethink – not just of strategy, but how we track, measure and invest across digital.” 

Suzie Shaw, CEO of We Are Social APAC, said:  “Social is where discovery starts, trust is built and relevance is won, and we’re seeing a fundamental shift in how its influence works. It’s no longer confined to one platform, demographic or content type: now it’s more distributed, dynamic and deeply embedded in culture. The smartest brands are moving away from siloed planning and towards integrated approaches that connect paid, owned and earned, because that’s how people experience the internet. The ones performing best are connecting the dots through creators, communities and content that drive trust, relevance and results at scale.” 

Download the full report now on Meltwater’s website.

Running a hospitality business is a constant act of balancing creating amazing guest experiences with maintaining smooth service, keeping costs under control, and keeping a happy team. It’s a tough gig, especially when things get busy.

For those using or considering running Square, the company is bringing to market new tools to help sellers move away from tedious admin and onto the floor, allowing them to speed up service, simplify operations, and sell more.

Keep orders flowing, even during peak service

Technology should empower venues to take on more orders and serve more guests, especially when things get busy. This major update helps venues grow revenue by making self-service a smooth and effective way to take orders.

• Square Kiosk Upgrades: Your fastest way to take orders. The Square Kiosk has been completely rebuilt as a native iOS app, delivering faster performance and a smoother checkout flow for customers. This upgrade helps venues cut wait times, increase order sizes and keep sales flowing.
• Kiosk Order Ready texts smooth out pickup (coming soon). To complete the self-service flow, venues can now automatically send customers a text message when their kiosk order is ready for collection. This cuts down on customer crowding and confusion at the counter.

Speed up service and payments

The checkout experience should never be a bottleneck on a busy shift. These updates help venues turn tables faster and give teams back precious time by simplifying how guests pay and order.

• Let guests settle bills faster with Scan to Pay. Diners can now simply scan a QR code on their printed bill and pay straight from their phone. It helps turn tables faster, gives staff more time to serve, and makes it easier to track which tables are ready to go.

• Item Splits make complicated bills simple. Staff can now split a single item (like a shared bottle of wine or dessert) across multiple separate bills in just a few taps, keeping the line moving and customers satisfied.

• Reservation Deposits are now seamlessly applied to the bill. For venues taking reservations via OpenTable and SevenRooms, any deposit paid at the time of booking is now automatically applied to the final bill. This removes one manual step for staff at checkout.

• The new Order Manager consolidates all orders in one place. Whether it’s a walk-in, a takeaway, or a delivery order, the new Order Manager tab within Square POS unifies all incoming tickets onto a single screen. This makes coordinating the kitchen and front-of-house simple and consistent. House Accounts simplify billing for regulars (coming soon). Venues can easily extend credit, track balances, and issue invoices (automatically or manually) for their frequent corporate clients or regulars, all with accurate reporting built into Square.
• Cleaner, shorter receipts. Printed receipts now automatically group identical items. This keeps receipts tidy, saves paper, and makes it easier for staff to review orders quickly.

Gain Control, Simplify Daily Operations

The back-end admin can slow operations down. These features are designed to consolidate platforms and automate daily tasks so venues can focus on delivering great service.

• An upgraded DoorDash integration to the tablet juggle (coming soon). Sellers taking DoorDash orders no longer need to keep switching between tablets. The new integration connects directly to the Square, syncing menus, prices, and availability in real time. Orders drop straight into the POS and Kitchen Display, and venues can even pause or resume DoorDash orders right from within Square.

• Automated weekend & public holiday surcharges on Square Online. Managing surcharges to offset higher weekend and public holiday costs is important for many Australian venues. These surcharges now automatically apply on the Square Online store, syncing with the POS and reducing manual work.
• Transfer of Accounts simplifies business handovers (coming soon) . If a venue is changing ownership, bringing in a new partner, or moving to a multi-owner structure, this tool simplifies the process. It helps ensure a smooth transition without complex admin.

New research has revealed a critical AI paradox for Australian small businesses: while regular AI users are more likely to see revenue growth, surprisingly, more than half (54%) say their business wouldn’t be impacted if AI tools disappeared tomorrow.

Xero’s ‘AI for small business: Bridging the gap from inertia to action’ white paper, which surveyed 1,100 small businesses globally including 500 in Australia, found those that have adopted AI are seeing improved business performance, with 57% of Australian small businesses that grew revenue in the past year saying they use AI tools at least weekly.

However, the findings show a market that is curious but not yet reliant. While 56% of Australian owners feel confident about using AI, this confidence has not yet translated into deep, business-critical adoption, creating a significant AI readiness gap. 

Angad Soin, Managing Director ANZ and Global Chief Strategy Officer at Xero, said the readiness gap is preventing many small businesses from realising the benefits of AI.

“AI-savvy small businesses are seeing improved revenue growth but Aussie entrepreneurs are still hesitant to fully embrace the technology,” Soin said. “There is a difference between surface-level confidence and the deep trust needed for critical adoption. While Australian owners are optimistic, they’re also telling us they have concerns around security and reliability, which is creating a readiness gap. ”

The report found this gap is driven by significant external and internal barriers. “Data privacy and security” was cited as the top concern for Australian small businesses (42%), followed by the “accuracy and reliability” of AI outputs (35%).

Australian small businesses are also uniquely time-poor compared to their global peers. Nearly a quarter (23%) cited a key barrier to AI adoption being a lack of  time to research and teach themselves how to use the technology—more than double the rate of small businesses in the UK (11%) and US (8%).

Soin said: “The main challenge for Australian small businesses isn’t just adopting technology, it’s finding time. Our research shows small businesses are optimistic about the impact AI can have within their business, but a gap in trust and, most acutely, a lack of time is holding them back from moving AI from a ‘nice-to-have’ to a critical part of their business.”

“This creates a risk of a two-speed economy where businesses with the resources to adopt AI will accelerate while the others are left behind. The solution isn’t about adopting every new tool overnight. For time-poor businesses, the easiest way to start is by building new habits and exploring AI within the platforms they already use every day. It’s about starting small, testing, and strategically auditing where time is being lost to ‘busywork’ to ultimately give them back their most valuable asset: time.”

The report also highlights a ‘trust leap’ in adoption. While current AI use is highest in creative tasks like marketing (25% weekly use), small businesses show intent to move AI into the core of their operations. In the next six months, 31% plan to use AI for bookkeeping and accounting.

Soin said: “The role of accountants and bookkeepers is evolving as small businesses look to move AI from the edge of their business into their core operations. Becoming the strategic partner who can help them navigate this change and safely integrate AI into their financials will be a critical role.”

The  AI for small business: Bridging the gap from inertia to action’ white paper outlines a three-pillar approach for small businesses to bridge the gap, focusing on adopting a new mindset, taking strategic action and de-risking the environment through trusted partners.

Omada, TP-Link Systems Inc.’s exclusive business solutions brand, today announced four major software upgrades designed to give MSPs, System Integrators, Installers, and IT Administrators smarter tools for Faster Troubleshooting, Simpler Planning, and more Reliable Performance. The updates include Omada Network 6.0, Omada App 5.0, the all-new Omada Design Hub, and Wi-Fi Navi App V1.5. Together, these upgrades deliver an Integrated Platform for Planning, Deploying, and Managing Software-Defined Networks end to end.

Omada Network 6.0: Faster Troubleshooting and Smarter Operations

Omada Network 6.0 introduces a redesigned interface that makes monitoring and configuration more intuitive for complex deployments. A new multi-tab dashboard provides at-a-glance visibility into topology, traffic, and client activity. At the same time, AP density maps and heatmaps offer instant insight into user behaviour and network performance. The Software upgrade also debuts a multi-level health scoring system that automatically evaluates devices, clients, WLANs, and sites, helping IT teams identify issues earlier and resolve them faster.

Smart Topology, a feature that provides a visual map of the Customer’s Network, now comes with real-time VLAN visibility and disconnected device tracking for more efficient network management. Also part of the upgrade is enhanced client recognition that detects device type, brand, and model automatically. Additionally, new tools like wizard-based VLAN setup and centralised bulk port management cut configuration time from hours to minutes, especially in large-scale projects.

Omada Design Hub: Free Cloud-Based Network Planning

The new Omada Design Hub (https://design.tplinkcloud.com/) is a free, Cloud-based tool that makes Network planning faster and easier. Installers and Integrators can upload floor plans, automatically detect walls and other obstacles, and generate Wi-Fi heatmaps instantly. With AI-powered AP placement, cross-floor cabling, and one-click proposal exports, the software upgrade simplifies network design while improving communication with end clients.

The platform supports bulk adjustments, real-time topology updates, and editable equipment lists with pricing, enabling faster, more accurate planning. Adaptive spatial models and signal calculations ensure reliable coverage, giving partners the confidence to deliver installation-ready designs faster and at lower cost.

Omada App 5.0 and Wi-Fi Navi App 1.5: Mobile Tools for Ongoing Management

Omada App 5.0 refreshes the mobile interface for smoother monitoring and configuration, giving IT Admins an easier way to manage Networks remotely. The Omada Wi-Fi Navi App V1.5 expands its toolkit for Installers with new features, including Wi-Fi Integrated Test, Walking Test, IP/Port scanners, public IP lookup, and bandwidth/PoE calculators. With iPerf2 support and enhanced scanning, the app makes it simpler to validate deployments and troubleshoot issues on-site.

Following the official passing of the Payday Super legislation by the Australian Parliament. The Bill expects SMBs to Payday Super right on day one. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of SMBs will need to move off the ATO’s Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH), set to close 1 July 2026. That’s a big ask, especially when you consider the 60% increase in admin overheads and $124,000 cashflow impact the average SMB will face on day one. Business software vendors are now racing to amend their solutions to meet the changes in 2026.

Angad Soin, Managing Director, ANZ & Global Chief Strategy Officer, Xero has made the following statement:

Xero welcomes the official passing of the Payday Super legislation by the Australian Parliament.

This legislation means real-time super payments are on the near horizon for Australia’s employers, with the changes set to take effect from 1 July 2026.

Aligning super contributions with pay cycles is a practical reform that promises to improve transparency and help reduce unpaid super, ultimately benefiting Australians in the long run.

We understand that these new obligations will take time for businesses to adapt to. Having anticipated this legislative reform, Xero has been proactively preparing for the 2026 transition, dedicating significant resources to make the shift to Payday Super as smooth as possible.

We are ready to support small business employers with the digital tools, education, and resources they need to meet the new compliance requirements effectively.

Given the lead time required to prepare, it is important employers engage with their advisors – such as their accountant or bookkeeper – now. Businesses should confirm whether their existing systems will support them from July 2026, so they can begin making any necessary changes as soon as possible.

Global small business platform, Xero, has released its latest Xero Small Business Insights (XSBI) update, revealing small business sales grew 5.5% in the September quarter – the strongest quarterly result in two years. The data suggests the benefits of official interest rate cuts may finally be flowing through to consumer spending and the small business economy.

September quarter at a glance:

• Sales growth rose to +5.5% year-on-year (y/y) in the September quarter, up from +3.9% y/y in June – the strongest quarterly result in two years.
• Jobs growth grew +2.7% y/y, down from +3.0% y/y in June, with a notable dip in September (+2.0% y/y).
• Tasmania led the states with +6.7% y/y sales growth, its best performance since early 2023.
• Construction was the standout industry, with +6.6% y/y sales growth and +3.9% jobs growth – both two-year highs.

Sales on the right trajectory

Small business sales showed a solid recovery in the quarter, following a softer 3.9% y/y rise in the June quarter. While still below the long-term average of 7.8% y/y, the growth reflects renewed momentum in the sector. Monthly data showed a familiar pattern of sales spikes following interest rate cuts, with September (+8.1% y/y) and June (+7.5% y/y) both following the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) policy decisions. These short-term boosts have yet to deliver sustained above-average growth, but the data aligns with the RBA’s September statement, noting improving private consumption driven by rising real wages, tax cuts, lower interest rates, and effects from higher house prices.

Workforce trends show cautious optimism

Jobs growth slowed in the September quarter, likely reflecting the lagging impact of softer mid-year sales and ongoing uncertainty for small business owners. Despite this slowdown, more small businesses increased their workforce than in recent months – 28.8% grew their teams, the highest proportion since December 2023. However, slightly more businesses also reduced staff, with 24.1% cutting jobs compared to 23.7% in June.

Angad Soin, Managing Director ANZ & Global Chief Strategy Officer, said: “This is the most encouraging sign we’ve seen for the Australian small business community in two years. After a period of intense pressure, Xero Small Business Insights data shows the grit of entrepreneurs , coupled with stabilising economic conditions, is starting to turn the tide. As we head into the holiday season, including events like Black Friday, it’s a reminder for all of us to shop local and continue to support businesses at the heart of our communities.”

Louise Southall, Xero Economist, said: “These figures are tentative but encouraging signs that the Australian economy has achieved the soft landing the RBA has been aiming for. The challenge for the central bank has always been to cool inflation without stamping out growth or lifting unemployment. This data, which shows sales for small businesses accelerating while jobs growth only moderating slightly, suggests its strategy is having the desired effect.”

Tasmania tops sales growth, while hospitality employment continues to fall

Sales growth was broad-based across regions, with Victoria rebounding to +4.7% y/y and Tasmania outperforming with +6.7% y/y (up from 2.5% y/y and  2.4% y/y in the June quarter respectively). Jobs growth was more subdued, with Western Australia (+3.9% y/y) and Queensland (+3.5% y/y) leading the way.

At an industry level, 15 of 17 sectors tracked by XSBI recorded stronger sales growth than in the June quarter. Most notably, construction sales increased 6.6% y/y – the highest increase in two years, while retail trade (+4.8% y/y), and hospitality (+4.4% y/y) also saw improvements. Construction jobs were also higher (+3.9% y/y), while hospitality jobs declined for the seventh time in eight quarters (-0.5% y/y).

You can find the latest Xero Small Business Insights Australia Update here.  To find out more about how Xero Small Business Insights is constructed, see the methodology.