Research reveals that at least 70% of NZ employees want to work remotely

New research from recruitment and HR services firm, Randstad, suggests implementing flexible work arrangements could be the key to New Zealand employers attracting and retaining quality staff.   
 
The annual Randstad Award employer branding research, which asked Kiwis their thoughts on workplace flexibility, among other topics, reveals that at least 70% of New Zealand employees want to work remotely, or telecommute, at least part-time. In addition, up to 55% would prefer variable working schedules. Results vary slightly between men and women, with 28% of men preferring to work in the office every workday, compared to 26% of women. 
 
Country Manger of Randstad New Zealand, Brien Keegan, speaking ahead of the company’s annual Randstad Award on 14 April, says this research provides a strong indication to employers that the days of the 9 to 5 office workday are well gone.
 
“It’s critical for employers to consider their attractiveness as an employer in today’s competitive talent environment. People are an organisation’s greatest asset and differentiator. The Randstad Award research will give employers the insights they need to continually shape their employer brand to appeal to today’s jobseekers.
 
“Flexible working options clearly appeals to most New Zealand workers. Employers should leverage this opportunity and take advantage of technology to offer employees the opportunity to telecommute, and investigate other ways employees can work flexibly.
 
“New Zealand’s talent market is very competitive, particularly for skilled knowledge workers. By tapping into the desires of New Zealand jobseekers, employers will increase their chances of attracting and retaining the best talent and give their businesses the competitive edge,” says Keegan.
 
The Randstad Award research, which captures the perceptions of over 200,000 potential job seekers from 25 countries including New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom, United States of America and China, found that on average 71% of New Zealand employees stated having a healthier work-life balance and less stress was their main motivator for working less. 
 
Mr Keegan says he’s not surprised by the findings of the research, which polled 7,017 working age New Zealanders. 
 
“Experiencing a positive work-life balance is key for employees. Our research found that 64% of those surveyed stated a good work-life balance was their number one reason for staying with their current employer; while 33% stated work-life balance issues was a reason to change employers.”
 
The research also shows New Zealand workers are well motivated by financial reward. Up to 87% of New Zealand employees stated an increase in income would be their main motivator for working more. A quarter of those surveyed were motivated by a promotion, or the next step in their career; 22% were motivated by potential professional development.
 
Six years since the first Randstad employer survey was undertaken, the single most important criteria for New Zealanders when choosing an employer continues to be salary and employee benefits, according to 22% of respondents. This was followed by long-term job security (14%); good work-life balance (10%); pleasant working atmosphere (10%) and interesting job content (9%).
 
The search for New Zealand’s most attractive employer in 2016
The Randstad Award, which will reveal the most attractive commercial and government employers in New Zealand, will be announced at a gala event at the exclusive Seafarers Members Club in, Auckland on Thursday 14^th April.
 
The Randstad Award research is totally unique in this market as it’s based on an independent study on public perception and a sample of 7,017 working age New Zealanders. Organisations are unable to nominate themselves or determine categories or criteria for entry as it’s based on the largest 150 employers in New Zealand, by employee size.
 
First launched in Belgium in 2000, the Randstad Awards will be hosted in 25 countries around the world including, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, Spain and the Netherlands capturing the perceptions of over 200,000 potential job seekers.
 
 
The top five single most important factors for New Zealand job seekers in 2016 are:

Rank	Most important factor	2016 (%)
1.	Salary & employee benefits	22
2.	Long-term job security	14
3.	Good work-life balance	10
4.	Pleasant working atmosphere	10
5.	Interesting job content	9