Underscoring New Zealand’s well-established OE culture, by far the most mobile workers are aged 18-29, with 47 percent prepared to travel offshore for work. However, over third of workers aged 30-49 (34 percent) and 31 percent of respondents aged 50-65 counterparts, would also be willing to move overseas for the right job. The findings are part of the Kelly Global Workforce Index, which obtained the views of approximately 97,000 people in 30 countries, including almost 1900 in New Zealand.
“Across many industries, there are host of people who are now prepared to move within their own country, or shift overseas in the pursuit of work,” Kelly Services NZ managing director Debbie Grenfell says. “In an environment where the market for talent is becoming global, more and more people are assessing job opportunities internationally to advance their career.
“Many skills that were once specific to region or country are now able to be carried out in varied parts of the globe, meaning that job mobility becomes important for career advancement. In fast-growing sectors such as engineering, science, finance and healthcare, there is diverse global demand that can present personal rewards and career opportunities for those willing to travel.”
By far the most desirable destination for globetrotting New Zealand job-seekers is Europe, nominated by 39 percent, well ahead of Asia Pacific (18 percent), North America (14 percent), South America (3 percent), Middle East (3 percent), and Africa (1 percent).
Results of the survey in New Zealand also show:
• Among various industry sectors, those working in IT are the most prepared to shift countries for work (54 percent), followed by science (48 percent) and local government (47 percent).
• The overwhelming factor preventing people from moving abroad for job is “family and friends,” cited by 58 percent, followed by the cost of moving (25 percent), language barriers (8 percent), and cultural differences (2 percent).
• The desire to move to different continent is driven by “the experience” rather than setting up permanent residence, with 48 percent prepared to stay for three or less years.
• More than quarter (28 percent) are working in what they consider unconventional arrangements. Of these, the most common grievance is “unusual hours,” affecting 31 percent, followed by long hours (26 percent), multiple jobs (17 percent), living away from home (9 percent), and excessive travel (9 percent).
The findings are part of new report The Evolving Workforce:Talent Mobility. For more information contact [email protected] or phone 03 363 5322.
