In New Zealand, employers are gearing up to offer substantial salary hikes—up to 30%—to employees proficient in artificial intelligence (AI) as they anticipate a surge in productivity gains from AI integration into the workplace. 

A comprehensive study by Amazon Web Services delved into the sentiments of over 1,600 employees and 500 employers across New Zealand, revealing promising insights into the future of AI skills in the workforce.

The research highlighted that certain departments stand to benefit the most from AI implementation, with IT and research and development sectors projected to witness significant salary increases of 41% and 38%, respectively. These figures underscore the transformative impact AI is expected to have on various facets of business operations.

The anticipated productivity boost from AI adoption is substantial, with a staggering 49% increase expected by the majority of employers surveyed. This optimism stems from the multifaceted benefits AI promises to deliver, including the automation of repetitive tasks, streamlining workflow and outcomes, and enhancing communication channels within organisations.

While the potential advantages of AI are evident, a pressing challenge looms large: the shortage of AI talent. Despite the high demand, a significant 70% of employers reported difficulties in finding professionals with the requisite AI skills. Compounding this issue, 79% of employers admitted to lacking the knowledge required to initiate AI workforce training programs.

Amidst this backdrop, there is a silver lining—the keen interest among New Zealand employees in upskilling themselves with AI capabilities. An overwhelming 79% of employees expressed a desire to develop AI skills to advance their careers, with Gen Zs, Millennials, and Gen X employees all showing significant enthusiasm for enrolling in upskilling courses tailored to AI.

Therefore, the burgeoning demand for AI skills in New Zealand's job market presents both opportunities and challenges for employers and employees alike. As businesses gear up to leverage the transformative potential of AI, investing in workforce development and fostering a culture of continuous learning will be pivotal in navigating the evolving landscape of AI-driven workplaces.