Who wants to work where?

The study highlights the largest Kiwi organisations (by employee size) perceived as the most attractive by 7000 New Zealanders (of working age). The research examines the factors Kiwis consider most important when looking for new employer, as well as the industries deemed most attractive.

Other industries which performed well in New Zealand were education & training services, which received top marks for its provision of good work-life balance and pleasant working atmosphere, and the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, which is considered attractive for its strong management and leadership, and the financial health of the industry. 

While both younger and older Kiwis have the same top five priorities as the country average when looking for an employer, there are some factors which are prioritised over others.

Potential employees aged 40 to 65 prioritise over younger workers companies that offer high quality products and services, are financially healthy and offer interesting job content. 

They also place greater importance on company which has strong image and values, and ensuring they have good work-life balance. A pleasant work atmosphere and management support are also important to older workers.

Meanwhile, younger employees, more so than older workers, are attracted to companies that offer strong career prospects, and quality training and development opportunities. 

Poor remuneration packages and lack of career progression opportunities are more likely to make young employees leave an organisation, with 67 percent of younger workers noting lack of compensation as the biggest turnover factor.

Both sexes agree on the top five most important factors influencing their employment decisions this year.

Despite these similarities in terms of ranking, men and women do prioritise differently, placing greater emphasis on certain factors. The research shows that females place 16 percent greater importance on flexible working arrangements and nine percent more around pleasant working atmosphere than men.

Male employees place greater importance than women on an organisation being financially healthy. 

There was also divide between the sexes when it came to factors affecting workplace turnover, with 21 percent more women than men likely to leave job because they do not feel challenged. Twenty-seven percent more men than women will leave job because of the organisation’s poor image and 20 percent more men will leave due to their lack of confidence in the future.

The top 10 most attractive industries to work for in New Zealand for 2013 are:

1Media

2Education & training services

3Fast moving consumer goods (FMCG)

4Public administration & safety

5Banking & financial services

6Public sector

7Professional services

8IT & telecommunications

9Transport & logistics

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