As a digital consultant, I was excited to attend the recent Digital Future of Work lunch hosted by Business Chamber Queensland. The event brought together Workday’s Chief Technology Officer (APAC), Shan Moorthy, Cisco’s Regional Manager (QLD, NT, and PNG), Terry Weber, and Australian Retirement Trust’s Head of Government and Regions, Patrick Twomey, to discuss the rapid advancements in digital and technological innovations, as well as the critical challenges and opportunities businesses face in this evolving landscape. 

One of the key takeaways was the urgent need for businesses to develop a comprehensive AI strategy. While many organisations are aware of the transformative potential of AI, a concerning 13% remain unfamiliar with the technology. These businesses risk missing out on significant productivity gains and employee satisfaction improvements that AI can deliver.  

“Companies that are on the front foot of AI strategy are able to deploy AI to assist in accelerating and transforming their business processes, and that starts reducing the cognitive load on the people that work for those companies, which means there's less burnout,” said Shan Moorthy.  

The panelists emphasised that it's not too late to get started. The key is to educate yourself on the options, identify the right outcomes to target, and create a roadmap for implementation. 

This aligns closely with Integral's experience in the field. We’ve observed that, with the hype around Generative AI (GenAI) growing, many employees are already exploring or using it in their daily tasks. However, establishing solid governance structures early has proven essential in driving rapid, secure results. By getting the fundamentals right, organisations can harness the power of GenAI while protecting their digital and knowledge assets and organisational integrity. 

Cybersecurity also emerged as a critical priority, with the panelists highlighting the risks of email compromise, online banking fraud, and the potential for sensitive data leaks through tools like ChatGPT.  

The message was clear: cybersecurity is the responsibility of every employee, not just the IT department. Businesses must invest in robust training programs to build a risk-aware culture and implement advanced security measures like multi-factor authentication and passwordless access.  

"One of the important things for staff to know is that it's not just the responsibility of your help desk, technology team, managing director, or business owners. Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility," added Patrick Twomey.  

Connectivity challenges, particularly in regional and rural areas, were also a focal point. While advancements in NBN and the emergence of solutions like Starlink have improved the landscape, reliable and redundant internet access remains a significant barrier for many businesses. The panellists stressed the importance of exploring hybrid connectivity options to ensure business continuity and the ability to participate in the digital economy. 

The discussion also delved into the evolving nature of work arrangements, with businesses navigating the shift towards increased flexibility and remote work. The panelists shared their experiences, ranging from mandated office attendance pre-Covid19 to completely flexible schedules. The consensus was that a one-size-fits-all approach is no longer viable, and businesses must be willing to adapt their policies to attract and retain top talent. 

“Rather than mandating things, if you focus on performance and culture, you know people will come back in.", Twomey said.  

This perspective is aligned with Integral’s approach to hybrid work emerging as the new norm. We’ve found that the right balance of in-person collaboration can drive both relationships and performance. It's not just about giving employees flexibility; it's about creating an environment that fosters meaningful connections and alignment to build a strong, collaborative culture. 

Finally, the event highlighted the need for a more adaptable and skilled workforce. With technology set to transform billions of jobs over the next decade, businesses are seeking employees with a diverse range of competencies, including soft skills, data analysis, and resilience. The panelists emphasised the importance of continuous learning and upskilling the workforce.  

The event reinforced the critical importance of strategic planning, cybersecurity, connectivity, workplace flexibility, and skills development in navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape. It was a timely reminder that while technology continues to advance, our approaches to integrating and managing these changes must be equally forward-thinking and adaptable.  

Want to dive deeper into these insights? Download Business Chamber Queensland's Digital Future of Work report here and explore the full scope of trends and challenges shaping the future of work.  

And on a cheeky note, we at Integral were thrilled to support Business Chamber Queensland as their technology and brand experience partner in delivering their fresh new website and secure member portal. It’s rewarding to play a role in BCQ’s digital journey, helping businesses across Queensland stay ahead in the digital age.