Gen Z Workers Feel 'AI Guilt' Despite Rising Demand for AI Skills in Hiring — Employment Hero Holdings Pty Ltd

Event summary

50% of Gen Z workers report feeling guilty using AI at work, while 52% see it as cheating.
42% of Gen Z employees use AI without employer knowledge and present AI-generated work as their own.
64% of UK employers say AI has changed hiring criteria, with 'AI skills' now in the top five attributes sought.
81% of Gen Z workers have learned AI skills through social media, but 23% feel underprepared for an AI-driven job market.

The big picture

Employment Hero’s report highlights a growing disconnect between the rising demand for AI skills in hiring and the lack of clear workplace policies guiding their use. This 'AI paradox' reflects broader industry trends where technological adoption outpaces governance, creating inefficiencies and potential risks. The tension underscores the need for employers to establish transparent frameworks that foster responsible AI integration.

What we're watching

Shadow AI Risk: How the prevalence of unapproved AI use will impact workplace policies and data security.
Hiring Criteria Shift: Whether employers can sustain high demand for AI skills without clear guidelines on usage.
Generational Divide: The pace at which workplace norms evolve to accommodate Gen Z's proactive AI skill-building.