Source: EMA
More than eight in 10 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are already using artificial intelligence (AI), but many are not yet preparing their people, leaders and workplaces for the changes AI will bring, according to a new survey by the EMA (Employers and Manufacturers Association).
The survey of more than 300 EMA member businesses found that 83% are already using AI, yet only 13% have an AI policy in place. While leadership teams are driving AI adoption in a third of businesses, just 4% reported that AI initiatives are led by HR, highlighting a gap between AI use and the workforce planning and capability-building needed to support it.
AI success is increasingly a people challenge, not a technology challenge
EMA Head of Marketing and Transformation Lisa Dean says the survey revealed a significant shift in the conversation around AI.
“What we found is that most small businesses have already started their AI journey. The question now is how they prepare their leaders, workforce and organisations to create value.
“Many businesses have been experimenting with tools, but they’re now reaching a point where they need to think more strategically about how people develop new skills, and how leadership supports that transition.”
Human capability becomes more valuable
“AI may help people work more efficiently and uncover new insights, but it is people who provide the context, make the decisions, build relationships and drive innovation,” Dean says.
Skills such as critical thinking, judgement, creativity, communication, adaptability and leadership will increasingly distinguish high-performing individuals and organisations.
Dean says businesses that focus on developing these human capabilities alongside AI adoption will be better positioned to improve productivity, adapt to change and create long-term value.
EMA launches Workforce 2030
The findings have informed the development of Workforce 2030, a new EMA initiative designed to help organisations build the leadership, workforce capability and organisational adaptability needed to thrive in an AI-enabled economy.
Through workforce readiness education, leadership development, peer learning and practical implementation tools, Workforce 2030 will help businesses redesign work for greater productivity while ensuring people remain at the centre of change.
The initiative will be showcased at Leading with People: Workforce Readiness in the Age of AI, to be held at the EMA Business Hub on 28 July 2026.
More information here: Leading with people: Workforce readiness in the age of AI – EMA – Employers and Manufacturers Association
Key survey data:
What percentage are using AI?
– 83% are already using AI.
Who is driving AI within small businesses?
– In 33% of companies surveyed, AI is led by the leadership team.
– In 20% of companies surveyed, AI is led by IT.
– AI is led by HR in only 4% of companies surveyed.
– In 18% of companies surveyed, AI is being used without a clear owner.
How many companies have AI policies in place?
– Only 13% of companies surveyed have an AI policy in place.
More information about Workforce 2030 can be found here: Workforce 2030 – Preparing NZ Workforces for the impact of AI