Auckland employers embracing flexible working

Auckland is home to many large corporate companies both local and international, has a thriving tech startup community and many small to medium businesses.

But, what do they have in common (except for being based in beautiful Tāmaki Makaurau)? More and more Kiwi companies are embracing the trend for a better work-life balance by offering flexible working for employees. This isn’t a huge surprise for New Zealanders, as a country, we’re known for our laid back, family-friendly lifestyle.  

According to Stats NZ’s The Survey of Working Life 2018, over 50 per cent of New Zealand employees already have flexible work hours, allowing them to start and finish work at different times each day, and one-third have worked from home. This trend is likely to increase as both employees and employers are reaping the benefits.  

Forget working nine-to-five 

Flexible working has become increasingly popular and, in some cases, it’s simply a necessity. Satellite offices, multiple locations locally and nationally, and balancing family and other life commitments means that most of us are seeking a more flexible way of working away from the traditional nine-to-five. 

At the start of this year, Vodafone New Zealand (with a head office in Auckland), announced new ‘summer hours’ for its employees, allowing them to finish from 2pm each Friday until the end of February. Staff were told, "We hope you'll make the most of the extra time – perhaps escape the city for the weekend, pick up the kids from school and head to the beach, or maybe catch up with friends and family around the BBQ.” 

New Zealand trust company Perpetual Guardian - with offices in downtown Auckland, the picturesque beachside location of Takapuna and the city fringe suburb of Remuera - gave the four-day week a go in 2018. This resulted in a 20 per cent increase in productivity and the company reported staff become more engaged and enthusiastic. Following the successful trial, Perpetual Guardian made the four-day week a permanent option for all full-time employees. 

This increase in flexi-working options benefits both employer and employee. The employer can see an improvement in staff well-being, productivity, and engagement, as well as less sick days and the ability to attract a more diverse talent pool both in New Zealand and internationally. Employees don’t have to struggle with the daily commute and the cost, time and stress it can cause. Those that have more flexible arrangements also report a better work-life balance and greater job satisfaction.  

Types of flexible working  

Any flexible working arrangement with a New Zealand employer can be a permanent, temporary or a daily arrangement and will depend on what best suits the business. For example, you may only work from home one day a week. Part 6AA of the Employment Relations Act 2000 allows all New Zealand employees the right to request a variation to their working arrangements at any time and their employer must consider this request.  

Flexible working can include: 

• Working remotely or working from home
• Working across multiple company sites
• Starting early or finishing later to avoid working typical commuter hours
• Working weekends to have some weekdays off
• Job sharing
• A four-day week
• Purchasing leave to have more time off
• Accrued time off in lieu for extra hours worked 

Global ICT provider NTT has an office in Auckland and openly encourages flexible working arrangements. The company’s human resources coordinator, Danielle Pattenden says, “Different people have different needs, we don’t want someone thinking they can’t join the organisation just because their commitments don’t follow the traditional nine-to-five schedule.”     

Technology keeps us connected 

Innovation in technology has allowed us more freedom at work, so often all we need is a computer and internet connection to work flexibly. However, each business will have its own security and access arrangements which are usually set up for employees by the company’s IT department.  

There are also many collaborative tools that make day-to-day flexible working easier like Slack for messaging, Zoom for meetings, Trello for project management and cloud file-sharing options like Dropbox. 

Harrison Grierson, one of New Zealand's leading engineering and design consultancies has two locations in Auckland, one being its head office based in the bustling inner city suburb of Parnell. The company’s offices and systems were designed to create a flexible working environment. “Technology enables us to move around depending on what we’re doing that day. If we need to work from home, we’re connected to the network. It’s easy!” says Kylie Raine, Harrison Grierson’s marketing and communications executive. 

Managing Director at Harrison Grierson, Glen Cornelius led the company through the cultural transition to become a flexible and inclusive workplace where people would feel valued. He says that since introducing flexible working, team members are happier and more engaged. 

Another good reason to relocate 

Flexible working options are just another key benefit for those considering relocating to Auckland. If you’d like to be working from the beach, enjoying a great sea view, and having the perfect work-life balance, then check out our job board to see the opportunities available to you now.  

Managing Director at Harrison Grierson, Glen Cornelius led the company through the cultural transition to become a flexible and inclusive workplace where people would feel valued. He says that since introducing flexible working, team members are happier and more engaged.