Artificial intelligence is gaining momentum in New Zealand’s corporate sector, as firms including Genesis Energy, GHD, and Baker Tilly Staples Rodway integrate Microsoft 365 Copilot to tackle productivity demands.
A recent Microsoft survey found that 26% of Kiwi business leaders would give up their daily coffee to retain access to generative AI.
AI Adoption Accelerates Across New Zealand Enterprises
Kiwi businesses are increasingly turning to AI to streamline operations and alleviate pressure on employees. Microsoft 365 telemetry data reveals a 15% year-on-year increase in after-hours emails and Teams messages, indicating that workers are finding it challenging to keep up with their workloads.
AI tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot are being utilised to handle repetitive tasks, giving employees more time to focus on strategic work.
Genesis Energy, for instance, has incorporated Copilot to streamline tasks and foster work-life balance. Senior manager Isabelle Rousseau shared how the tool has transformed her workflow,
“The content is of such high quality, it’s saved me hours and hours, as well as the stress of knowing how much more I’ve got to do in a day. I now don’t need to work extended hours to fit everything into the day – I can often just do things between meetings.”
AI-Mature Organisations Lead with Productivity and Inclusion
The 2024 Microsoft Work Trend Index introduces the concept of ‘Frontier Firms’ – organisations with high AI maturity that have integrated AI tools across operations.
These firms are twice as likely to report increased productivity and greater job satisfaction among employees. Additionally, Frontier Firms offer more opportunities for meaningful work, as AI takes over mundane tasks, enabling employees to focus on creative and strategic activities.
GHD, a global engineering and professional services firm, uses AI to promote inclusion and accessibility.
AI-generated meeting recaps not only save time but also support employees who rely on speech-to-text technology.
Baker Tilly Staples Rodway has utilised Copilot to assist employees new to Aotearoa in achieving the right nuance in their communications, helping them feel more confident and capable in their roles.
AI Contribution to Workforce Health and Attendance
A recent report by Southern Cross Health Insurance and Business NZ highlights that absenteeism is at a record high of 5.5 days per worker, costing employers more than $1 billion annually. However, 22% of companies using Copilot report reduced absenteeism, with improved wellbeing cited as a key factor.
The trend suggests that AI help enhances productivity and alleviates stress, allowing employees to maintain a healthier work-life balance. “Approaching AI like a thought partner is where you start to see real value from it,” said a spokesperson from the Work Trend Index.
“The real magic is in how AI can reboot our energy and get us focused on the work that is meaningful and fulfilling.”
Conclusion
AI tools are gaining traction across New Zealand workplaces, their influence is extending outside of productivity.
Organisations are beginning to prioritise job satisfaction and employee wellbeing, with AI increasingly seen as a means to ease routine workloads and enable more meaningful work.