Employee wellbeing matters!
That is why the EMA and nib Insurance have teamed up to survey more than 1,200 Kiwis – from senior management to frontline staff – to take the pulse of New Zealand’s workplaces big and small.
The good news is that most employees (75%) are satisfied at work and almost two thirds (61%) believe their workplace proactively manages their wellbeing, up from 53% two years ago.
But a lot has changed since we last did the survey in 2022, when we were in the midst of the post-COVID economic rebound. Today, the deteriorating economic environment, and a cost-of-living crisis, is having a profound impact on employees – affecting both their mental health and their productivity.
They are worried about their jobs, financial security, and are uncertain about the future. This is having flow-on effects on health and wellbeing. As a result, they are seeking stability at work and are increasingly appreciative of the initiatives that employers are taking to support them.
We have grouped the results into six categories, which reflect the key findings we think you need to know.
The economic situation is having a profound impact on employee wellbeing.
- Increasing numbers are worried about financial and job security.
- This is affecting their ability to do their job.
- It is also impacting productivity, and mental and physical health.
of employees say the cost-of-living crisis negatively impacted them.
2 in 3
employees are concerned about their financial security.
Employees are craving stability, at least for now.
- Rising numbers are looking to stay in their job for the next year.
- Employees are becoming more tolerant of their colleagues and appreciative of their employers.
- They are worried about their ability to find a new job if they need to.
of employees say they are unlikely to leave their jobs in the next 12 months.
3 in 5
employees say their workplace proactively manages their wellbeing.
Leadership, coaching and wellbeing initiatives are key.
- Employees are looking for employers to support them in their career development.
- They value regular performance feedback, career development strategies and opportunities to learn.
- They are looking for wellbeing initiatives and value strong leadership from their employers.
of employees say regular performance feedback and performance development plans are important when considering changing jobs.
of employees say their workplace doesn’t manage those struggling in leadership positions well.
Fatigue is still plaguing employees.
- Tiredness and fatigue are still the top physical impacts of work-life balance.
- Large numbers report problems sleeping, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.
- This is impacting mental health and performance at work.
of employees experienced problems sleeping in the last three months because of work.
of employees say there are not enough staff at their workplace.
Workplace flexibility is now an employee expectation.
- Flexibility is an important consideration for employees looking to change jobs.
- Most workplaces support both hybrid working and flexible hours.
- Employees are generally satisfied with the approach their employer is taking.
of employees say flexible working hours are important when considering changing jobs.
1 in 5
employees say their hybrid working policy is unclear or needs improving.
Health insurance is an increasingly important benefit for employees.
- Employees increasingly value health insurance as an employment benefit.
- It is seen as a way for employers to show they value their people.
- Health insurance is an important benefit to attract and retain people.
of employees want their employer to offer medical/health insurance.
of HR influencers saw at least one benefit in offering subsidised private health insurance.