64% of people were satisfied with their jobs, the same as the previous year, a recent report from the recruitment site SEEK has found.
The leading reasons included satisfaction with their workplace and colleagues, as well as work-life balance, although these positives were offset by worries about job security and some dissatisfaction with immediate supervisors.
Meanwhile, 12% reported being unhappy.
“What stands out is that even with these pressures, New Zealand workers remain remarkably resilient and clear about what matters most,” SEEK country manager Rob Clark said.
Clark also noted a variety of factors shaped employee sentiment, with more than a third expressing the least satisfaction over career progression, while fewer than half were pleased with their company’s ESG commitment, salary levels, stress management, or senior leadership.
Generation Z (born late 1990s to early 2000s) reported the lowest workplace happiness at 58%, though this marked an increase from 45% in the prior survey.
40% of Gen Z employees reported dreading going to work, and they were more prone to feeling burnt out and exhausted.
Clark noted that Gen Z workers are most likely recent entrants to the workforce, starting at the bottom of both the career ladder and pay scale. However, the survey indicated that Generation Z employees were generally satisfied with their employer’s commitment to ESG issues, felt recognised, and believed their voices were heard and valued.
“In many instances they’re probably being asked to go the extra mile because of the current tough conditions and there’s less resource to go around … and that cohort is most likely to feel the cost of living pressures.”