Half Of Hiring Leaders Demand New Skills Due To AI Adoption

Findings from recruitment specialists Cultivate and AI advisory NewZealand.AI show how AI is shifting workplaces across New Zealand.

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It found that 42% of hiring leaders have already adjusted what they look for in candidates, with 60% saying they'd pay a premium for those who can show their AI capability.

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Trina Jones, co-founder of Cultivate, said employers aren't just looking for people who can use AI, they want people who can think critically about it.

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"Our data shows the most valued skill is AI awareness, an understanding of what AI can and can't do in a work context," Jones said in a statement. "The top behavioural trait is critical thinking, which is the ability to question AI outputs rather than accept them blindly."

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Critical gaps in employer support‍

Despite this change in the recruitment process, the report uncovered that critical gaps remain in employer support and training when it comes to AI.

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It found that only 13% of workers have received any company-led training, while 57% have had no training for it at all.

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"This has been largely a bottom-up adoption story so far," said Tony Pownall, Co-Founder of Cultivate, in a statement.

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"Workers are embracing AI tools to make their jobs easier, but many are doing it without employer-led guidance, safeguards, or structured learning. That presents both a risk and a massive opportunity."

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According to the report, 44% of employees said they already use AI tools daily. The most used tools are:

• General AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity (82%)
• Integrated productivity tools like Copilot and Gemini (53%)

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More than three in four (76%) employees also reported feeling positive about AI in their roles, citing its ability to reduce repetitive tasks and assist with communication, creativity, and information management.

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In fact, the report found that 62% are more positive about AI today than they were 12 months ago – despite 45% expecting their team's headcount to decrease in the next three years.

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"We were surprised to see such optimism given the level of anticipated role change," Pownall said.

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"Our view is that AI users are discovering how AI can remove the mundane and make room for more meaningful, higher-value work opportunities. That shift in mindset could be key to navigating what's ahead."

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Read full article here.

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