New Zealand workers are adopting artificial intelligence at a slower rate than their international counterparts, with 37% of employees reporting feelings of guilt when using the technology for professional tasks, according to a global report by Employment Hero. Despite this hesitation, many workers are secretly utilizing AI to enhance their productivity and skill sets.
Why are New Zealand workers hesitant to use AI?
While AI tools are becoming standard in global markets like the UK, Australia, and Canada, New Zealand businesses lag in formal adoption. According to Neil Webster, Employment Hero’s general manager for New Zealand, the conflict stems from a dual awareness: workers recognize the efficiency of AI but fear for their long-term job security.
Data from the report indicates that 42% of Kiwi workers worry that relying on AI makes them appear replaceable. This anxiety persists even though 57% of respondents acknowledge that AI helps them develop more valuable professional skills. The apprehension is significant enough that 28% of employees admit to using AI tools without their employer’s knowledge.
More than half of New Zealand workers (51%) have bypassed formal corporate training, choosing instead to teach themselves AI skills through platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
The hidden reality of workplace AI usage
There is a distinct gap between corporate policy and actual employee behavior. The Employment Hero research found that 32% of workers present AI-generated output as their own work, while 38% of employees feel that using these tools is akin to “cheating.”
This “AI guilt” is a unique barrier to productivity in the New Zealand market. Webster notes that workers with the highest level of AI competence are often the most conflicted. They understand the potential benefits to their own workflow but struggle with the ethical implications of using automated assistance in a professional environment that has not yet established clear guidelines.
How can businesses support AI integration?
Employers can mitigate employee anxiety by shifting the focus from replacement to enablement. According to Webster, businesses that provide clear guidance and celebrate the productivity gains enabled by AI see higher confidence levels among their staff.
Because there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to AI, the report suggests that leadership teams should prioritize transparency. By creating a positive environment where AI is treated as a professional development tool rather than a threat, companies can encourage staff to stop “hiding” their usage and start collaborating more effectively with the technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it common for employees to hide their AI usage?
Yes. According to the Employment Hero report, 28% of New Zealand workers use AI tools without their company’s knowledge, often due to concerns about how their employers view the technology.
Do most workers feel that AI makes them better at their jobs?
Yes. Despite the guilt associated with its use, 57% of workers state that AI is helping them develop more valuable skills, and many acknowledge that it helps them produce higher-quality work.
How can employers address AI-related anxiety?
Employers can help by providing clear policies, offering practical training, and celebrating the productivity benefits that AI brings to the team, according to Employment Hero’s Neil Webster.
Are you using AI at work, or are you still hesitant to integrate it into your daily workflow? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the future of work.
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