Some of us love our jobs, while others feel extremely dissatisfied. A Stuff article suggested that almost 1 million New Zealanders hated their job. But what motivates New Zealanders in the workplace? What can help us to gain optimal job satisfaction? Shopless investigates what attributes help kiwis to achieve job satisfaction.
Receiving Recognition for a Job Well done
Worldwide employees like to be recognised for their work efforts. Many workplaces acknowledge this and put awards and other recognition pillars in place to ensure the employees feel valued. Additionally some workplaces increase pay when they can see that the efforts of the employee are exemplary. In an analysis by Roy Morgan comparing New Zealand and Australian job satisfaction they found the following. “Almost 60% of working Kiwis feel satisfied with their job recognition — and a mighty 93.7% of those are also satisfied with their job.” Additionally those that were content with their salary or felt as though their pay was indicative of their work also stood out as a higher percentage.
Flexible Work Hours
Kiwis appear to be more satisfied in their jobs, if their hours are more flexible. Business News daily suggested that if an employer offers a more open and flexible relationship with an employee, the job satisfaction significantly increases. Putting steps in place such as offering the option to work from home. Allowing them to finish when the work is done, and not working exactly to the hours required or overworking. Offering additives to increase their satisfaction in the hours outside of their work such as family health insurance also contributed towards the overall enjoyment of work.
Great Company Culture
Kiwis don’t love socialising outside of work, but they do enjoy a caring work environment. An article about New Zealand job satisfaction suggested that New Zealanders are not willing to meet with their colleagues outside of work. It also stated that this was different from other countries, particularly European countries. Who enjoyed socialising with their colleagues outside of the workplace. Kiwis prefer the environment they work in to be a social workplace, where they can approach managers and other staff on a friendly level. Incentives such as social events inside of work hours, help to break down these social barriers. Creating commonality amongst employees in a NZ work environment.
Job Security
New Zealandars like to know that they have a secure work environment. An article by Stuff suggested that “Full Time staff members are typically more ingrained in the business they work in and in turn more invested in the success of the company.” Additionally Statistics New Zealand suggested that kiwis with permanent jobs are more likely to be satisfied in their position than part time employees. Showing that the permanency of a job, and predictability also has a strong correlation to job satisfaction for New Zealanders.
Good Mental Health
Finally good mental health is an important attribute for New Zealand jobseekers and employees. Statistics New Zealand stated that kiwi’s with poor mental health were 50% more likely to be dissatisfied with their job. Referencing a world health organisation statistic that indicated workers with poor mental wellbeing are more likely to seek unemployment due to lack of job satifaction.
There are some great mental health initiatives in New Zealand, and often employers offer counselling and extra mental health support. So if you find you need extra help to improve your job satisfaction, or mental wellbeing. Make sure to talk to your employer or seek help through the Mental Health Helpline. There are several options on the website, this is the number for Lifeline: 0800 543 354.
Shopless has offered some suggestions of how you can improve your job satisfaction. Or how you as an employer or manager can see your team gain job satisfaction. If you are on the hunt for a new job, or looking to hire a new employee. Make sure to look at Shopless’ job section, here.