What's it really like to work in New Zealand?

Things are always changing

Businesses are constantly changing.  

• About half of new businesses in New Zealand close within three or four years - and new businesses open to take their place. So, watch for job opportunities in new businesses.

In any business there are constant staff changes.

• The turnover rate for New Zealand businesses is about 30%. That means for a staff of 10 people, about three will leave to work somewhere else over a year - and three new people will take their places.
  

You are not alone - New Zealand population increasingly diverse

Wherever you work, there’ll be a mix of ethnicities and there’s a strong chance you will work with others who were born in another country.

Almost a quarter of people who normally live in New Zealand were not born here.

The make-up of our population is constantly changing.

• In 2006, 68% of the population were European, 14.6% Māori and 9.2% Asian.
• The Asian population is growing the fastest, followed by people from the Pacific.
• Since 2000, there have been significant increases in arrivals from India, Korea, South Africa and Fiji.
• About one person in every 100 is from the Middle East, Latin America or Africa.

New Zealanders are aware of other cultures

We travel a lot internationally, and most families have someone working in another country. Even our television programmes have a more international flavour than in many countries.

• Most of the people you work with, even those born and bred in New Zealand, understand and accept a variety of cultures.

Our workplaces, especially large ones, are generally multicultural, inclusive, and welcome diversity.

• Many workplaces celebrate the cultural backgrounds of their staff and provide flexible working conditions to enable people to observe cultural customs.
• The Treaty of Waitangi ensures certain rights for Māori and many workplaces recognise this in their meeting procedures, especially in welcoming visitors, and by providing marae (meeting places) for staff.
  

Some day-to-day customs

Most New Zealand workplaces are relaxed and informal. But they are more efficient than they seem to be.

• Workmates address each other and often superiors as well by their first names.
• Clothing is often more informal than in some countries, even in offices, although some businesses have uniforms or dress codes, and safety requirements can dictate what is worn. Traditional ethnic clothing is usually acceptable, but not common.
• Workplaces tend to be very hands-on. Even the manager of a motor repair firm will get grease on his or her hands. Workers can be expected to do a wider range of tasks than in many countries.
• Teamwork is important. Workers get together to solve problems. It’s common for workers to swap roles or help each other out to get a job done. In some businesses there will be no receptionist. Instead, any worker who is nearby will assist customers.
• Hierarchies are not obvious. Even though most teams will contain people in senior and junior roles, everyone works together. Instructions are usually given in a friendly and relaxed way. Do not see this as being lazy or soft. Everyone is expected to follow instructions from more senior staff.
• Managers are likely to be low key about praise and criticism. New Zealanders are not flamboyant, so feedback is likely to be simple: “Well done” or “That’s a bit of a mess, isn’t it”. The best way to handle criticism is to show you accept it and try to do better next time. There is no need for repeated apologies.
• Managers generally welcome staff suggestions on how work is done. Everyone is welcome to speak up at staff meetings. Don’t be afraid to speak out. It's acceptable to ask for more explanation if you do not understand what you have been told to do.
• You will find a mix of women and men in almost every workplace, even in more physical trades and labouring jobs. It is illegal to discriminate on the basis of gender, so if a woman is the best candidate, she’ll get the job. It’s very common for women to manage teams of men and women.
• In many workplaces there is what’s known as “gentle ribbing”. Work colleagues will tease or make jokes about each other. Often this can seem critical and even rude, but it’s usually a sign that you are part of the team.
• Work colleagues often socialise with each other - lunch, a drink or a meal after work, or sport on the weekend - and bosses are usually included too. But it’s also acceptable not to socialise a lot.
• Men and women shake hands when they meet in formal work situations. Friends often shake hands whenever they meet, especially men. Friends and close work colleagues meeting after a long time might offer a kiss on the cheek, but generally woman to woman, or woman to man.