Employers in the Asia-Pacific region are willing to pay higher salaries for workers skilled in artificial intelligence (AI) to future-proof their workforce and meet the growing demand for AI expertise. A recent survey reveals that employers expect AI to increase productivity and improve daily activities, with workers recognizing the positive impact of AI skills on their careers.
Employers Willing to Pay More for AI Skills to Boost Productivity, Survey Finds
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A recent survey conducted by Access Partnership on behalf of Amazon Web Services has revealed that employers in the Asia-Pacific region are willing to pay significantly higher salaries for workers skilled in artificial intelligence (AI).
The study, which polled 4,664 employers and 14,896 workers across various markets including Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, India, and Indonesia, highlighted a scarcity of AI-skilled staff across different industries.
According to the findings, employers are prepared to pay 44% more for workers with AI skills in the IT sector and 41% more for those working in research and development. This willingness to increase remuneration is seen as a way to future-proof their workforce in the face of the growing demand for AI expertise.
Among the countries surveyed, India emerged as the most willing to provide the highest salary increase, offering a 54% spike compared to the regional average of 33% for workers who acquire AI knowledge. In sales and marketing, employers are ready to offer a further 39% increase, while the figure stands at 37% in finance and business operations.
Employers Recognize the Productivity Boost AI Skills Bring
Employers believe that investing in AI skills can significantly boost productivity across various functions. The survey revealed that employers expect AI to increase productivity by more than half (51%) if fully leveraged. This sentiment is echoed by the workers themselves, with 50% stating that AI can enhance productivity.
The benefits of AI implementation extend beyond productivity gains. Employers anticipate improvements in daily activities such as task automation (64%), improved workflow and outcomes (60%), enhanced communication (59%), and increased innovation and creativity (49%). The departments expected to benefit the most from AI adoption are IT (91%), business operations (89%), and finance (88%).
Workers Embrace AI Skills for Career Advancement
Interestingly, the survey found that 93% of respondents believe that AI skills will have a positive impact on their careers. This includes better job satisfaction and faster career progression. It is worth noting that 83% of the workforce expressed a desire to develop AI skills, with 87% of Gen Z workers and 79% of Gen X showing interest in acquiring these skills. Even older workers, specifically those aged 55 and above (baby boomers), are open to upskilling in AI, with 68% expressing a willingness to learn if given the opportunity.
Conclusion
The survey highlights the increasing demand for AI skills in the Asia-Pacific region and the willingness of employers to pay higher salaries to attract and retain workers with these skills. The benefits of AI implementation, including increased productivity and improved daily activities, are seen as key drivers for this investment. With the majority of workers recognizing the positive impact of AI skills on their careers, it is clear that AI is set to play a significant role in shaping the future of work in the region.
