Uncomfortable conversations in the workplace are increasingly being outsourced to AI, according to new research on the use of AI in the workplace.
The survey found that 53% of Australian managers who use AI have utilised the technology for at least one sensitive management task, including preparing for or managing difficult feedback, performance reviews, conflict, and employee complaints. CEO of Dynamic Leadership Programs Australia (DLPA) and Crestcom ANZ, Karlie Cremin, said the research raised a key question for workplaces: where should AI assistance end and where do human accountability and judgement take over? "Difficult conversations are not an inconvenience of leadership - they define leadership," Ms Cremin said.
"AI can be a highly valuable tool to help managers prepare, structure their thinking, and check their tone. However, we risk weakening the very human skills effective leadership requires if technology is increasingly used to outsource uncomfortable interactions.
"While AI is an excellent supporting tool, organisations must clearly distinguish between AI supporting leadership and AI substituting for leadership.
The research also revealed the extent to which AI is entering sensitive workplace domains. Among the AI-using managers surveyed, 22 per cent had used the technology for performance reviews, 19 per cent for responding to complaints, 19 per cent for difficult conversations, and 18 per cent for delivering difficult feedback.
A further 15 per cent of managers using AI said they used the technology to help manage conflict, while 12 per cent cited avoiding difficult conversations as a reason for using AI at work. The research also found that senior leaders and managers were significantly more likely than other AI users to rely on the technology for workplace communication tasks.
Ms Cremin said judgement, emotional intelligence, courage, and accountability are capabilities managers build by practising them.
"AI can help prepare a manager for a difficult conversation, but it cannot assume the responsibility for actually leading it," she said.
"When managers avoid these moments, performance problems, conflict, and distrust compound."
The data also revealed 84 per cent of the Australian workforce said they would rather be managed by a person than AI, and 35 per cent of those with a manager would be uncomfortable knowing AI had written their performance review.
AI use is advancing faster than organisational capability, with 75 per cent of the Australian workforce saying they had received no formal workplace AI training.
Ms Cremin said employers must urgently establish clear guardrails, treating AI adoption not just as a technology exercise, but as a leadership challenge.
"Organisations need to train managers to use AI as a tool for preparation only, ensuring they remain personally accountable for decisions that affect their teams.
"The ultimate goal of using AI in the workplace must be to make leaders better prepared for human conversations, ensuring human empathy, judgement, and accountability remain firmly in the driver's seat," she said.
About us:
About the research: The research was commissioned by DLPA and conducted by Pureprofile among 1,008 Australian business leaders and workers (total Australian workforce) between 11th to 14th August 2026. The total sample was nationally representative by age, gender and location. Findings in this release reference the following audiences:
AI-using managers, defined as those who manage people in at least one of their roles and use AI to complete work-related tasks, totalling 528 people.
Senior leaders and managers, defined as those who are executives, C-suite, senior managers or managers and use AI to complete work-related tasks, totalling 365 people.
Non-leaders and managers, defined as those who are individual team members (no direct reports or business ownership) and use AI to complete work-related tasks, totalling 303 people.
Have a manager, defined as those who are not the business owner, totalling 856 people.
About Dynamic Leadership Programs Australia (DLPA): Dynamic Leadership Programs Australia (DLPA) specialises in bespoke leadership and business development programs designed to unlock the potential of current and emerging leaders. At its core, DLPA embraces a tailored approach to learning and development, ensuring that its solutions align with each organisation's unique values, goals and cultural needs. Since 2016, DLPA has empowered over 1,100 leaders and businesses to create high-performing workplace environments through its diverse range of events, workshops, and courses. Whether through one-on-one coaching, group programs, or hybrid solutions, DLPA is committed to driving sustainable change and helping organisations thrive. About Karlie Cremin, CEO of DLPA and Crestcom ANZ: Karlie Cremin is the CEO of DLPA and Crestcom Australia, organisations dedicated to helping businesses solve complex people challenges with practical, real-world solutions. With a career spanning construction, government and not-for-profits, Karlie brings a wealth of experience in crafting versatile strategies and business models that deliver exceptional results. Karlie herself has also been recognised with several high-profile honours, including the Bronze Stevie® for Thought Leader of the Year (2025), the Bronze Stevie® for Woman of the Year (2025), the Silver Stevie® APAC for Most Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year (2025), the Silver Stevie® APAC for Innovative Achievement in Thought Leadership (2025). Her focus remains on building sustainable, profitable businesses by equipping leaders and teams with the skills and tools they need to succeed.
