AI-competent employees feel like they're cheating when using AI to finish tasks, report finds
Employees in New Zealand are feeling more "conflicted" about using artificial intelligence tools as the adoption of the technology becomes more widespread in workplaces, according to a new report from Employment Hero.
Its new AI Paradox at Work research revealed a growing unease in the workforce regarding AI use despite the benefits they gain from the technology.
Highly competent AI users in New Zealand reported that AI is helping them develop more valuable skills and reduce administrative tasks.
But at the same time, the growing AI use is also making them feel more vulnerable to being laid off (41%), and is decreasing their job security (29%).
Another 28% of employees said using AI to complete parts of their job feels like "cheating," while 37% feel a sense of guilt when using the technology to produce high-quality work.
"Workers with the most AI competence are the most conflicted," said Neil Webster, Employment Hero's General Manager in New Zealand.
"They know what it can do for them but are anxious about the impact it might have on their role and their livelihood."
Lifting the unease on AI use
Addressing this growing unease requires employers to be more open about how AI is being used in the workplace, according to Webster.
"AI's greatest value is increasing human capability by making things possible that were previously too difficult or costly. Rather than replacing people, it takes on repetitive work in key areas so businesses and their people can focus on higher-value, human-focused work," he said.
"AI is here to stay. Instead of feeling guilty about using it, people need to feel confident using it, and workplaces need to switch their mindset to having an AI-first approach."
Guy Bate, Thematic Lead for Artificial Intelligence at the University of Auckland, added that the way through the unease is not necessarily more AI adoption, but directing AI towards work that strengthens human judgment.
"It is important to remember that AI is not simply individual proficiency with AI, or just AI," Bate said.
"It is the capacity to combine human judgement with AI in ways that improves the quality of work and decision making while retaining human responsibility."
Job loss assumptions challenged
The workforce's growing unease regarding AI adoption comes amid concerns that the technology will eventually lead to job losses.
But Employment Hero's report challenges this assumption, with job creation sentiment outweighing job loss sentiment by more than two to one.
Half of business leaders surveyed said roles will be refocused due to AI, while another 18% said new roles will be created due to the technology.
Only 19% of businesses believe their workforce will look the same in 12 months' time, according to the report.
So far, New Zealand's adoption of AI remains behind other regions covered in the report, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.
Only 34% of Kiwi employers believe AI is driving innovation in their business, while just 15% say AI is core to their business operations.
"In terms of how AI supports productivity, Kiwi businesses are on a par with Australia and other countries. But when it comes to AI improving quality of work, driving cost savings, and supporting employee confidence, we are trailing," Webster said.
The country can close this gap by "being bold and driving change" instead of just responding to AI advancements as they happen, according to the general manager.
