{"id":310652,"date":"2026-11-03T11:30:51","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T23:30:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reckon.com\/au\/?p=310652"},"modified":"2026-10-27T15:55:36","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T03:55:36","slug":"ai-for-small-business-what-to-automate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reckon.com\/au\/blog\/ai-for-small-business-what-to-automate\/","title":{"rendered":"Should small businesses embrace AI? Reckon CEO Sam Allert shares what to automate and what to keep human"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_3,2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; module_class=&#8221;table-contents&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#f3f2f6&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;25px||25px||true|false&#8221; sticky_position=&#8221;top&#8221; sticky_limit_bottom=&#8221;section&#8221; sticky_position_tablet=&#8221;top&#8221; sticky_position_phone=&#8221;none&#8221; sticky_position_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|24px|24px|24px|24px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.23&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; background__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221;][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;32px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||28px|||&#8221; header_2_font_size_tablet=&#8221;30px&#8221; header_2_font_size_phone=&#8221;26px&#8221; header_2_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>With over a third of small businesses adopting AI*, others feel pressure to do the same. They worry that if they don\u2019t use it, they risk being left behind. But adoption isn\u2019t simple, as nearly half of small businesses agree AI is moving too fast to know when to invest*.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<!-- Reckon x National AI Centre stats: 1 in 3 small businesses adopting AI & almost half agree AI is moving to fast to know when to invest --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/p>\n<style><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac, .rk-nac * { font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; box-sizing: border-box; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac { background: #ffffff; border: 2px solid #ded9ff; border-radius: 12px; padding: 24px; margin: 24px 0; color: #0a004a; max-width: 760px; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-row { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 28px; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-stat { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 20px; flex: 1 1 300px; min-width: 0; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-waffle { flex: 0 0 auto; width: 112px; height: 112px; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-copy { min-width: 0; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-big { font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 800; font-size: 30px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0 0 6px 0; padding: 0; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-text { font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.45; margin: 0; padding: 0; color: #0a004a; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-source { font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 20px 0 0 0; padding: 14px 0 0 0; border-top: 1px solid #ded9ff; color: #0a004a; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-source a { font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a3fff; text-decoration: underline; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->@media (max-width: 480px) { .rk-nac { padding: 18px; } .rk-nac-waffle { width: 88px; height: 88px; } .rk-nac-big { font-size: 24px; } .rk-nac-text { font-size: 15px; } }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/style>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/p>\n<div class=\"rk-nac rk-nac-intro\">\n<div class=\"rk-nac-row\">\n<div class=\"rk-nac-stat\"><svg class=\"rk-nac-waffle\" viewBox=\"0 0 127 127\" width=\"127\" height=\"127\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Chart: 35.8% of small businesses are adopting AI\"><title>Chart: 35.8% of small businesses are adopting AI<\/title><g stroke=\"#ded9ff\" stroke-width=\"10\" stroke-dasharray=\"10 3\" fill=\"none\"><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"5\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"5\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"18\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"18\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"31\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"31\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"44\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"44\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"57\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"57\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"70\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"70\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"83\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"83\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"96\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"96\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"109\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"109\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"122\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"122\"\/><\/g><g stroke=\"#5a3fff\" stroke-width=\"10\" stroke-dasharray=\"10 3\" fill=\"none\"><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"5\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"5\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"18\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"18\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"31\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"31\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"44\" x2=\"75\" y2=\"44\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"rk-nac-copy\"><pee class=\"rk-nac-big\" style=\"color:#5a3fff\">About 1 in 3<\/pee><pee class=\"rk-nac-text\">small businesses are adopting AI.<\/pee><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"rk-nac-stat\"><svg class=\"rk-nac-waffle\" viewBox=\"0 0 127 127\" width=\"127\" height=\"127\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Chart: 48.1% of small businesses agree AI is moving too fast to know when to invest\"><title>Chart: 48.1% of small businesses agree AI is moving too fast to know when to invest<\/title><g stroke=\"#ded9ff\" stroke-width=\"10\" stroke-dasharray=\"10 3\" fill=\"none\"><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"5\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"5\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"18\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"18\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"31\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"31\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"44\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"44\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"57\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"57\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"70\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"70\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"83\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"83\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"96\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"96\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"109\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"109\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"122\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"122\"\/><\/g><g stroke=\"#ff5447\" stroke-width=\"10\" stroke-dasharray=\"10 3\" fill=\"none\"><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"5\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"5\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"18\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"18\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"31\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"31\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"44\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"44\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"57\" x2=\"101\" y2=\"57\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"rk-nac-copy\"><pee class=\"rk-nac-big\" style=\"color:#ff5447\">Almost half<\/pee><pee class=\"rk-nac-text\">of small businesses agree AI is moving too fast to know when to invest.<\/pee><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<pee class=\"rk-nac-source\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ai.gov.au\/news-and-insights\/reports\/ai-adoption-tracker\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National AI Centre AI Adoption Tracker<\/a>, businesses with 0\u201319 employees, accessed October 2026<\/pee><\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>The challenge, then, is finding out what AI can do for your business and where to start.<\/p>\n<p>We sat down with Sam Allert, CEO of Reckon, who believes the risk is real: \u201cIf you\u2019re not embracing AI in business, you\u2019re at a massive disadvantage.\u201d We discussed whether businesses really need AI, where to start, what to automate, and what to keep human.<\/p>\n<p><em>This interview was edited for clarity and length.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Does my business need AI?<\/h2>\n<p>The only way to know whether AI is right for your business is to explore it. AI is a powerful tool that businesses can\u2019t ignore, Allert says. But the decision is up to them, \u201cIf they think there\u2019s any area of their business or their life that they can automate or optimise, then they should review AI.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>AI is just a tool. It can\u2019t replace the \u201cIntuition, gut instinct, that human connection\u201d needed to run your business.<\/p>\n<p>Allert used a gardening business as an example: \u201cIt&#8217;s not going to do the mowing and the whipper snipping and all of that,\u201d but AI could be \u201cautomating admin, it might be automating marketing, it might be automating invoices out.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Explore it first, <em>then<\/em> decide whether AI is worth investing in.<\/p>\n<h2>Where should I start with AI?<\/h2>\n<p>The best place to start is training. About one in four small businesses say they don\u2019t know how to use AI*. As Allert suggests, businesses shouldn\u2019t \u201c&#8230; try to solve it on their own. Invest in a one-hour course. It could be online, or a day workshop.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<!-- Reckon x National AI Centre stat module: About 1 in 4 small businesses say they're not aware of how to use AI in their business --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/p>\n<style><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac, .rk-nac * { font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; box-sizing: border-box; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac { background: #ffffff; border: 2px solid #ded9ff; border-radius: 12px; padding: 24px; margin: 24px 0; color: #0a004a; max-width: 760px; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-row { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 28px; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-stat { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 20px; flex: 1 1 300px; min-width: 0; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-waffle { flex: 0 0 auto; width: 112px; height: 112px; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-copy { min-width: 0; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-big { font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 800; font-size: 30px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0 0 6px 0; padding: 0; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-text { font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.45; margin: 0; padding: 0; color: #0a004a; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-source { font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 20px 0 0 0; padding: 14px 0 0 0; border-top: 1px solid #ded9ff; color: #0a004a; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-source a { font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a3fff; text-decoration: underline; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->@media (max-width: 480px) { .rk-nac { padding: 18px; } .rk-nac-waffle { width: 88px; height: 88px; } .rk-nac-big { font-size: 24px; } .rk-nac-text { font-size: 15px; } }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/style>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/p>\n<div class=\"rk-nac rk-nac-start\">\n<div class=\"rk-nac-row\">\n<div class=\"rk-nac-stat\"><svg class=\"rk-nac-waffle\" viewBox=\"0 0 127 127\" width=\"127\" height=\"127\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Chart: 25.7% of small businesses are not aware of how to use AI in their business\"><title>Chart: 25.7% of small businesses are not aware of how to use AI in their business<\/title><g stroke=\"#ded9ff\" stroke-width=\"10\" stroke-dasharray=\"10 3\" fill=\"none\"><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"5\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"5\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"18\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"18\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"31\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"31\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"44\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"44\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"57\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"57\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"70\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"70\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"83\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"83\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"96\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"96\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"109\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"109\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"122\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"122\"\/><\/g><g stroke=\"#ff5447\" stroke-width=\"10\" stroke-dasharray=\"10 3\" fill=\"none\"><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"5\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"5\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"18\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"18\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"31\" x2=\"75\" y2=\"31\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"rk-nac-copy\"><pee class=\"rk-nac-big\" style=\"color:#ff5447\">About 1 in 4<\/pee><pee class=\"rk-nac-text\">small businesses say they\u2019re not aware of how to use AI in their business.<\/pee><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<pee class=\"rk-nac-source\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ai.gov.au\/news-and-insights\/reports\/ai-adoption-tracker\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National AI Centre AI Adoption Tracker<\/a>, businesses with 0\u201319 employees, accessed October 2026<\/pee><\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>This is what Allert did with Reckon. He took the management team on a one-day AI workshop, and it \u201cjust opened our eyes to possibilities\u201d for what it could do for the business. Each team and department then did role-specific training. Product development saw the biggest payoff: a 30% efficiency gain with the same team.<\/p>\n<p>The value in training is learning in a group setting, as Allert says:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019ll be people in that room, probably in the same space as you, and someone over lunch will say, \u2018wow, I never thought I could automate my marketing lead capture with AI\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Sharing ideas with like-minded people and solving problems together is how you can find out where to start with AI. <strong>Go book a course, learn what others are doing, and see how AI fits your business.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>What should I automate first?<\/h2>\n<p>Start with your biggest bottleneck. Allert believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to AI, and businesses shouldn\u2019t automate the same things. Every business has its own problems: \u201cWhat\u2019s a bottleneck in your business? What\u2019s a bottleneck in your life?\u201d If parts of your business work well, don\u2019t start there.<\/p>\n<p>Allert used a tradie on the tools all day as an example: \u201cIf you get to the end of the day and have to read 50 emails because you\u2019re worried about missing one, look at that for automating.\u201d Now compound that with other admin tasks. Allert sees a major drain for small businesses in repetitive, time-consuming tasks like matching receipts and chasing invoices.<\/p>\n<p>So where should businesses automate first? <strong>Automate the task that causes the biggest headache.<\/strong> After a month, review whether automating that bottleneck saved you time.<\/p>\n<h2>What should I keep doing myself?<\/h2>\n<p>Business owners need to keep what they\u2019re accountable for. In Allert\u2019s role, he receives a lot of emails and messages, which he knows AI can handle: \u201cI know that AI could automate that and give me a summary. I don\u2019t do that.\u201d If something important slips through, \u201cit\u2019s my responsibility not to miss it.\u201d AI may miss or overlook what you find important.<\/p>\n<p>Among small businesses using or planning to use AI, only about one in four checks or plans to check AI results before they affect customers*. Checking AI output is crucial to staying accountable.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<!-- Reckon x National AI Centre stat module: Only about 1 in 4 of small businesses using or planning to use AI check, or plan to check, AI results before they affect customers --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/p>\n<style><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac, .rk-nac * { font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; box-sizing: border-box; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac { background: #ffffff; border: 2px solid #ded9ff; border-radius: 12px; padding: 24px; margin: 24px 0; color: #0a004a; max-width: 760px; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-row { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 28px; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-stat { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 20px; flex: 1 1 300px; min-width: 0; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-waffle { flex: 0 0 auto; width: 112px; height: 112px; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-copy { min-width: 0; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-big { font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 800; font-size: 30px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0 0 6px 0; padding: 0; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-text { font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.45; margin: 0; padding: 0; color: #0a004a; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-source { font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 20px 0 0 0; padding: 14px 0 0 0; border-top: 1px solid #ded9ff; color: #0a004a; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.rk-nac-source a { font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a3fff; text-decoration: underline; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->@media (max-width: 480px) { .rk-nac { padding: 18px; } .rk-nac-waffle { width: 88px; height: 88px; } .rk-nac-big { font-size: 24px; } .rk-nac-text { font-size: 15px; } }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/style>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/p>\n<div class=\"rk-nac rk-nac-keep\">\n<div class=\"rk-nac-row\">\n<div class=\"rk-nac-stat\"><svg class=\"rk-nac-waffle\" viewBox=\"0 0 127 127\" width=\"127\" height=\"127\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Chart: 27.4% of small businesses using or planning to use AI check, or plan to check, AI results before they affect customers\"><title>Chart: 27.4% of small businesses using or planning to use AI check, or plan to check, AI results before they affect customers<\/title><g stroke=\"#ded9ff\" stroke-width=\"10\" stroke-dasharray=\"10 3\" fill=\"none\"><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"5\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"5\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"18\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"18\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"31\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"31\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"44\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"44\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"57\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"57\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"70\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"70\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"83\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"83\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"96\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"96\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"109\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"109\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"122\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"122\"\/><\/g><g stroke=\"#ff5447\" stroke-width=\"10\" stroke-dasharray=\"10 3\" fill=\"none\"><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"5\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"5\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"18\" x2=\"127\" y2=\"18\"\/><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"31\" x2=\"88\" y2=\"31\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"rk-nac-copy\"><pee class=\"rk-nac-big\" style=\"color:#ff5447\">Only about 1 in 4<\/pee><pee class=\"rk-nac-text\">small businesses using or planning to use AI check, or plan to check, AI results before they affect customers.<\/pee><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<pee class=\"rk-nac-source\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ai.gov.au\/news-and-insights\/reports\/ai-adoption-tracker\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National AI Centre AI Adoption Tracker<\/a>, businesses with 0\u201319 employees, accessed October 2026<\/pee><\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Reckon\u2019s AI support chat has handled over 10,000 conversations, but 75.6% of customer contact is phone calls, against 7.4% for AI chat. Most of Reckon\u2019s customers still choose to talk to a person, something AI can\u2019t replace.<\/p>\n<p>Keeping yourself accountable requires you to ask three questions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If this goes wrong, does it land with me?<\/li>\n<li>Does this task need my judgement?<\/li>\n<li>Are my customers or clients expecting to deal with me?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If the answer to any of these is yes, <strong>these tasks need to stay with you<\/strong> and be checked before they go out.<\/p>\n<h2>Is there a risk to using AI?<\/h2>\n<p>AI poses a real risk that many aren\u2019t seeing. You stop thinking for yourself. Allert pictures your comfort zone as a circle. You keep challenging yourself, and your comfort zone, your skill base grows. If you stop challenging yourself, your skills and comfort zone will shrink. Hand everything to AI, and \u201cyou won\u2019t notice for one or two years but <strong>will notice in five or 10 years.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>He saw this recently with Reckon\u2019s budget. \u201cSimply put, the budget just wasn\u2019t stacking up for next year.\u201d Allert spent most of the week working through it and, within two days, had four or five options to explore.<\/p>\n<p>AI could have produced a budget for him, but \u201cI would have lacked all of that critical thinking and strategic thinking.\u201d Working through it himself did more than produce options: \u201cif anything, it\u2019s energised me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Outsourcing your critical thinking is a mistake. Hand AI the repetitive work and <strong>keep the thinking that steers your business<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2>Will small businesses be left behind?<\/h2>\n<p>Not if they explore AI and decide for themselves whether it helps. This might mean deploying AI across different areas of your business, or in just one; \u201cmaybe it doesn\u2019t change their business at all,\u201d but it comes down to choice. If AI doesn\u2019t deliver meaningful outcomes, they can \u201ccarry on\u201d, as Allert puts it. Ultimately, AI is just a tool.<\/p>\n<p>As Allert says, \u201cAI won\u2019t make the job easier. It\u2019ll hand back time. What you do with that time is the impact.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Impact over output:<\/strong> the hours AI frees up matter only if you spend them with purpose, for your customers, and for yourself.<\/p>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_302360\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/sam-allert-7a917b1\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-302360\" class=\"wp-image-302360 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reckon.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sam-Allert-Reckon-CEO-.png\" alt=\"Sam Allert Reckon CEO\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.reckon.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sam-Allert-Reckon-CEO-.png 300w, https:\/\/www.reckon.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sam-Allert-Reckon-CEO--150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-302360\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sam Allert Reckon CEO<\/p><\/div>[\/et_pb_text][ba_social_share icon_bg=&#8221;#03002e&#8221; icon_padding=&#8221;10px|12px|10px|12px|true|true&#8221; layout=&#8221;classic&#8221; show_text=&#8221;off&#8221; btn_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; btn_bg_color=&#8221;RGBA(255,255,255,0)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;50px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;25px||||false|false&#8221; custom_css_before=&#8221; content: %22SHARE THIS%22;|| font-size: 16px;|| font-weight: 700;|| line-height: 22px;|| letter-spacing: 0em;|| text-align: center;|| color: #ff5447;|| margin-bottom: 10px;|| display: inline-flex;|| position: absolute;|| margin-top: 10px;&#8221; border_width_top_main=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_top_main=&#8221;#e4e4e4&#8243; border_radii_icon=&#8221;on|5px|5px|5px|5px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_css_before_last_edited=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221;][ba_social_share_child _builder_version=&#8221;4.23&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/ba_social_share_child][ba_social_share_child network_type=&#8221;facebook&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/ba_social_share_child][ba_social_share_child network_type=&#8221;linkedin&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/ba_social_share_child][ba_social_share_child network_type=&#8221;email&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/ba_social_share_child][\/ba_social_share][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Not sure where AI fits in your business? Reckon CEO Sam Allert shares what to automate, what to keep human and where to start. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":310687,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<p>Changes to how casual employees can transition to permanent employment are coming this year. The new process adds an employee-driven element, where, depending on certain circumstances, a casual employee can notify their employer of their intention to move from casual to permanent employment.<\/p><p>This is a marked departure from the previous rules, which were entirely up to the employers. So, what does this new process look like, and what does it mean for small businesses?<\/p><p>Let\u2019s go through it.<\/p><h2>Key changes to casual employment rights<\/h2><p>The \u201cClosing Loopholes\u201d amendment has directly changed how casual employees remain casual or transition to permanent employment.<\/p><p>Under the old rules in the National Employment Standard, a casual employee\u2019s employment status was entirely employer-driven. This meant that any conversation or initiation of a casual employee was through the employer's agreement or arrangement.<\/p><p>Now, employees can let their employer know their desire to change their working status, called the employee choice pathway.<\/p><p>Under the employee choice pathway, casual employees can pursue permanent employment by notifying their employers of their intent to change from casual to permanent. The following criteria have to be met before notice can be given:<\/p><ul><li>The employee has been employed for 6 months or more (or for small business, 12 months or more)<\/li><li>The employee believes that they no longer meet the requirements of a casual employee defined under the Fairwork Act 2009<\/li><\/ul><h2>Who is affected by the employee choice pathway?<\/h2><p>The changes have been in effect for medium-large businesses since 26 February 2025. Under the legislation, businesses with 15 or more employees must follow the employee choice pathway procedure.<\/p><p>The changes will come into effect on 26 August 2025 for small businesses (15 employees or fewer). Under the rules of casual employment, an employee may only notify their intent for permanent employment if they have been employed for more than 12 months.<\/p><h2>The process involved<\/h2><p>The employee choice pathway is twofold: a notice of intent to transition from casual to permanent, and the response to that notice. While this may seem simple, a number of factors determine the outcome. First, before a notice can be made to move from casual to permanent, we must look at what defines casual employment status.<\/p><h3>Defining casual employment<\/h3><p>The legal definition of what constitutes casual employment can be found in the Fairwork Act 2009 (15A). This is a rather large document, so for all intents and purposes, casual employment can be simply defined like this:<\/p><ul><li>The employment relationship is not a firm commitment to further ongoing work.<\/li><li>The employee is entitled to casual loading under the rate determined under their agreement, rate, or contract.<\/li><\/ul><p>If you are unsure about the definition of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fairwork.gov.au\/starting-employment\/types-of-employees\/casual-employees\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">casual employment<\/a>, the Fairwork Ombudsman has materials and resources.<\/p><h3>Giving notice of employment change<\/h3><p>The notice a casual employee gives to their employer about moving to permanent employment requires two factors to be satisfied:<\/p><ol><li>The employee must have been employed for 6 months or more (12 months or more for small businesses), and;<\/li><li>The employee believes that they no longer meet the requirements of casual employment.<\/li><\/ol><p>Here is an example of a notice to demonstrate what this would look like in the workplace.<\/p><blockquote><p><em>Imagine a bartender working casually for over 10 months at a large pub with more than 15 workers. This casual employee has been given more responsibilities in the last few months, including rostering other casuals. The employee has also noticed they work fixed, regular, rostered shifts. With this information and a desire for more security in their employment, they approach their employer with notice to transition from casual to permanent employment.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><p>In this example, the employee meets the requirements to give notice and pursue the casual choice pathway. After notice occurs, the employer is required to respond. Let\u2019s take a look.<\/p><h3>Responding to a notice<\/h3><p>Once an employer receives a notice from their employee, they have 21 days to respond. Before a response is made, the employer should consult with the employee about what changes the transition would make to their employment. This discussion should include:<\/p><ul><li>Whether the employee would move to full-time or part-time permanent employment.<\/li><li>The change of hours the employee will work.<\/li><li>When the change of employment will take effect.<\/li><\/ul><p>After a consultation, the employer can accept or reject the notice of employment change.<\/p><h3>Accepting or rejecting an employment change notice from an employee<\/h3><p>When accepting a change, the employer needs to include what has been consulted previously and provide a new written employment agreement with their employee. The changes must immediately be implemented after the acceptance of employment status unless the employer and employee have agreed on a different commencement date.<\/p><p>When it comes to rejecting a notice, employers need a good reason. An employer can justify a rejection of the notice when either of the following circumstances apply:<\/p><ul><li>The employee still meets the requirements of casual employment.<\/li><li>Causes significant changes to the business organisational structure.<\/li><li>It will have a considerable impact on day-to-day business operations.<\/li><li>The change will break existing rules in an award or enterprise agreement.<\/li><li>The change violates recruitment or selection procedures that are protected by law.<\/li><\/ul><p>Accepting or rejecting an employee's notice must be thoughtfully considered, whatever the circumstances, and communication should be clear and concise. If there is a disagreement, it may come down to both sides not effectively communicating. However, dispute resolution procedures are in place if the relationship is beyond solving in the workplace. It also should be noted that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fairwork.gov.au\/starting-employment\/types-of-employees\/casual-employees\/becoming-a-permanent-employee#protections\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">protections are in place<\/a> against any adverse actions taken in reaction to an employee submitting a notice.<\/p><h2>What happens if there is an employment dispute?<\/h2><p>Any dispute must be resolved first in the workplace. However, if a dispute occurs due to a disagreement about an employee\u2019s employment status, there are a number of avenues that can be explored:<\/p><ul><li>Consultation with the Fairwork Ombudsman<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fwc.gov.au\/issues-we-help\/casual-permanent-status\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Resolution mediated<\/a> by the Fairwork Commission<\/li><\/ul><p>Unfortunately, if either of these doesn\u2019t remedy the situation, the matter may have to be resolved in court, arbitrated by the Federal Circuit Court.<\/p><h2>The bottom line<\/h2><p>As the changes on the pathway from casual to permanent employment are new, there will be a degree of awkwardness in implementation. What is essential is good communication and honesty when discussing an employee's future in your business. As the date for small businesses to follow the new rules is set for 26 August 2025, there is plenty of time to review your procedures for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reckon.com\/au\/small-business-resources\/payroll-guide\/workforce-management\/\" rel=\"\">managing your staff<\/a>.<\/p><p>You may find that the new process has new opportunities for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reckon.com\/au\/small-business-resources\/hiring-staff-process\/traits-good-team-member\/\" rel=\"\">dedicated employees<\/a> to commit fully to your business. Whatever the employee choice pathway brings, ensure you are prepared with proper <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reckon.com\/au\/accounting-software\/payroll\/\">payroll systems<\/a> to navigate the changing landscape.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[343],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-310652","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-insights"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.7 (Yoast SEO v28.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>AI for Small Business: What to Automate and What to Keep | Reckon Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Not sure where AI fits in your business? 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