Some 53% of Kiwis would accept a lower salary or demotion in order to remain employed, according to the latest findings from recruitment and HR specialist, Randstad. This result ranks New Zealand sixth out of the 33 countries surveyed, behind Australia in fourth place (57%), the US in second place (62%) and the UK in first place (64%).
The results from the Randstad Workmonitor & Mobility Index would suggest that Kiwis are currently feeling ambivalent about the job market. Some 73% of Kiwis think that a so-called ‘job-for-life’ has become extinct, while 80% would accept a temporary contract in order to avoid unemployment.
The Workmonitor’s Mobility Index is conducted online among employees aged 18-65. It tracks employee confidence and captures the likelihood of an employee changing jobs within the next six months. It also provides a comprehensive understanding of sentiments and trends in the job market, and addresses employee satisfaction and personal motivation.
Head of Client Solutions of Randstad New Zealand, Blair Cashin says in a media release these findings provide some interesting insights into the mindset of employees in New Zealand.
“It’s interesting to note that while it would appear that Kiwis have mixed feelings about the current job market, they recognise the importance of upskilling. 86% of those surveyed agreed that they need to keep learning in order to retain or increase their employability, while 89% would be willing to be retrained in order to avoid unemployment.
“From an employer point of view, this highlights the importance of regularly reviewing their training programmes to ensure staff are provided with relevant training and given the opportunity to upskill,” says Cashin.
