2025 New Zealand Market Trends

We know it's been a whirlwind year for New Zealand businesses. From restructuring and uncertainty to glimmers of hope with slowing inflation, the ups and downs have kept organisations on their toes. As a business leader, you're facing tough questions about hiring, growth, salaries and the impact of AI, all while trying to keep up with constant change. It's enough to make most Kiwi companies feel like they need some guidance.

And for jobseekers, we know the employment market has been tricky to navigate recently. Even when you're landing interviews, it can be challenging to know if you're being offered a fair salary or if your skills are truly valued. We see your need for clarity and we want to help you decipher the current job market with confidence to land your next role.

Our hiring outlook goes beyond just salary data, providing up-to-date trends into the New Zealand jobs market based on insights from 500 Kiwi workers and our tenured recruiters. We will walk you through the factors influencing the current market outlook including hiring intentions, the skills in demand and the ways in which pay rises are awarded this year. Armed with this knowledge, you'll gain a competitive edge, whether you're a candidate looking to position yourself for success or an employer seeking to attract and retain top talent.

The pendulum is swinging back to pre-pandemic norms where working from home was the exception, not the rule. But with hybrid working often off the cards, businesses are upping their flexibility to allow for employees’ personal needs. 59% of Kiwi workers say their employer has increased flexible work hours compared to the previous year, giving them a level of autonomy that positively impacts work-life harmony, motivation and job satisfaction.

of workers say their current level of flexibility has improved their work-life balance of workers say their current level of flexibility has improved their work-life balance

Using AI for work and in work

To improve customer experience or to manage repetitive tasks, artificial intelligence is already finding its way into many New Zealand organisations. In fact, 26% of employees are using generative AI tools almost every workday. Employers are often encouraging the ethical use of AI to create efficiencies and streamline workflows, resulting in 93% of workers being transparent with their employers/managers about their usage in day-to-day work. While it is not likely to impact talent pipelines yet, employers should look to embrace not only the usage of artificial intelligence where it makes sense for their business, but also to embrace jobseekers and staff who actively seek to improve processes.

As businesses remain cost conscious, negotiating a pay rise has become more challenging according to 70% of Kiwi workers. But pay remains the ultimate enticement as one third of workers say a salary increase of up to 20% would compel them to change jobs right now, showcasing the retained importance of salaries. Businesses need to ensure compensation is benchmarked to keep top talent on board, plus offer non-monetary benefits like flexibility and training to provide a strong employee experience.

of workers will ask to revisit the salary conversation again if they don’t get a pay rise in 2025 of workers will ask to revisit the salary conversation again if they don’t get a pay rise in 2025

of workers say they need a 20% salary increase for it to be an accurate reflection of their expertise and or level of responsibility of workers say they need a 20% salary increase for it to be an accurate reflection of their expertise and or level of responsibility

Growing enthusiasm for the potential of automation

New Zealand workers are confident that soft skills like empathy, strategic thinking and relationship building will grow in importance as automation advances. In fact, 68% of workers think automation will have a positive impact on their current job and career prospects. At the same time, 64% would participate in training to reskill with their current employer if their job becomes (partially) automated.

To thrive in the digital age, teams need individuals who embrace continuous learning and are comfortable navigating the evolving tech landscape. Hiring managers should seek out those with a passion for technology, and the ability to leverage it for innovation and efficiency.

The wave of business restructuring that swept through New Zealand companies has put workers on high alert. For jobseekers, it's crucial to stay informed about industry trends, develop in-demand skills, and network to showcase adaptability and value. Business leaders need to prioritise transparent communication and support their employees through periods of change. They can do this by offering reskilling opportunities and career guidance to help alleviate possible anxiety and retain valuable talent.

of workers are concerned about redundancies happening at their company in 2025 of workers are concerned about redundancies happening at their company in 2025

of workers say they are pursuing training or certifications to improve their marketability to prepare for potential redundancies of workers say they are pursuing training or certifications to improve their marketability to prepare for potential redundancies

Work environment and technology have the biggest impact on productivity

Productivity has remained a key focus for New Zealand companies as they navigate economic uncertainty and strive to remain competitive. With concerns about high costs and potential slowdowns, companies are seeking ways to optimise output and efficiency. Workers say working environment, technology and tools, and workplace culture have the biggest impacts on their productivity levels.

With work environments changing in the last 12 months and staff spending more time working from the office again, 57% of workers say working outside of traditional hours (flexible hours) has had a positive impact on their productivity. Empowering workforces with the right tools and training not only keeps staff engaged and motivated, but also allows businesses to put their best foot forward knowing achievements are being met in the most productive way possible.

More pay More benefits Flexible
work hours A promotion More
professional
development More
recognition More
remote working
options Better
corporate
culture More
responsibilities A mentor/
career coach More pay More benefits Flexible
work hours A promotion More
professional
development More
recognition More
remote working
options Better
corporate
culture More
responsibilities A mentor/
career coach

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The non-salary data presented in this Salary Guide is derived from an online survey conducted by an independent research firm commissioned by Robert Half in November 2024. The survey gathered responses from 500 finance, accounting, and IT and technology professionals employed by a diverse range of organisations in New Zealand, including SMEs and large private, publicly-listed and public sector companies.