Two-thirds of workers in New Zealand want more work-life flexibility

Over two-thirds of employees in New Zealand want more work-life flexibility, according to a survey by Massey University. Workplace practices and working preferences have changed since 2020, and employees are increasingly looking for jobs that better fit their lifestyles.

The survey also showed that “now is the time for employers to work with employees, rather than against them, for mutual benefit and increased productivity,” according to the survey’s authors, who are professors at Massey University.

READ: Workplace stress affects employees’ wellbeing in New Zealand

52% of respondents enjoyed more flexibility in their work arrangements compared to before the pandemic hit, 62% said they were able to manage their work-life demands, while 67% indicated that they wanted more work-life flexibility.

Some 48% of respondents reported that their organisations had already made formal policy changes to enable more work-life flexibility, and 41% said that they knew of workers who had left their jobs because their employer did not provide enough flexibility to match their needs.

Worldwide, workers have had a taste of work-life flexibility and are demanding it more frequently. Apple’s mandate for its workers to return to the office was met with a petition by its workers, pushing for a work-from-home (WFH) policy. Facebook and Twitter have both announced that their workers can work remotely.