NZ workers slow to adopt AI, but many hide how much they use it - report

New Zealand has a relatively low rate of AI adoption, with more than a third of workers feeling guilty about using it, according to new research.

A global report by Employment Hero indicates New Zealand businesses had a comparatively low rate of AI adoption, compared with the UK, Australia and Canada.

While New Zealand workers were increasingly upskilling and relying on AI at work, the research indicated many were hiding how much they use it.

"Workers with the most AI competence are the most conflicted," Employment Hero general manager New Zealand Neil Webster said.

"They know what it can do for them, but are anxious about the impact it might have on their role and their livelihood.

"One key stat found 37 percent of Kiwi workers feel guilty using AI at work despite recognising it helps them produce better work and develop valuable skills."

He said employers could help to combat AI guilt by creating positive environments for adoption of the technology.

"Many businesses are still working out what AI should look like in their workplace which is understandable because it is evolving quickly and there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach," Webster said.

"However, we're seeing employers provide clear guidance and practical support for their teams and celebrate the productivity gains AI enables which makes people more confident to use it in ways that benefit both the business and their own professional development."

Key points:

38 percent of employees say using AI feels like cheating

37 percent feel a sense of guilt when using AI to produce high-quality work, the lowest of any market surveyed

42 percent worry using AI makes them look replaceable

More than half of Kiwi workers (51 percent) have taught themselves AI skills through platforms like YouTube and TikTok

57 percent say AI is helping them develop more valuable skills.

Just under a third (32 percent) present AI-generated work as their own

28 percent use AI tools without their company knowing