The benefit equation: What workers want and how employers can benefit

94% of Kiwi workers say they receive perks and benefits from their employer
76% plan to ask for additional perks and benefits
An agreed bonus (19%), a remote working option (16%), and flexible working arrangements (16%) are the three benefits employees plan to ask for in 2025

Auckland, 20 October 2025 – New Zealand employees consider perks and benefits as an important part of their remuneration package, to the extent that most (76%) are planning to negotiate for enhanced offerings as part of their employment discussions, new independent research by specialised recruiter Robert Half finds.

The Robert Half Salary Guide reveals almost all (94%) workers say they are provided with an array of perks and benefits from their employer.

Current worker benefits snapshot

According to Kiwi workers, their employers are most likely to offer a range of flexible work arrangements and discounts to encourage better work-life balance and an enhanced lifestyle.

Perk/benefit	Percentage of workers
Working from home/hybrid options	39%
Flexible work arrangements (e.g., ability to leave early/start late, compressed hours/weeks)	39%
Staff benefits hub (e.g., special offers, reductions, cashback scheme)	30%
Flexible benefits program (allowance given monthly/yearly to be used on a range of benefits - e.g., health insurance, gym membership)	29%
Agreed bonus (i.e., annually, quarterly, monthly, ad-hoc)	29%
Remote working option (beyond working from home)	27%
Mental health resources/Employee assistance	27%

Independent survey commissioned by Robert Half among 500 full-time office workers in New Zealand.

“With many companies focused on cost management, they may not be in a position to award pay rises or higher starting salaries amid economic uncertainty,” says Megan Alexander, Managing Director at Robert Half. “While salary remains the main incentive of a remuneration package, businesses recognise the power of benefits to land, motivate, engage and keep their top performers.”

What's on workers’ wish lists

More than three in four (76%) Kiwi workers plan to ask for the following benefits they don’t already have:

Perk/benefit	Percentage of workers
Agreed bonus (i.e., annually, quarterly, monthly, ad-hoc)	19%
Remote working option (beyond working from home)	16%
Flexible work arrangements (e.g., ability to leave early/start late, compressed hours/weeks)	16%
Flexible benefits program (allowance given monthly/yearly to be used on a range of benefits - e.g., health insurance, gym membership)	16%
Working from home/hybrid options (more than one day a week)	14%
Paid sabbaticals/leave of absence	13%
Home office equipment allowance	13%
Public transport allowance	13%

Independent survey commissioned by Robert Half among 500 full-time office workers in New Zealand.

“Kiwis are voicing what they want from their employer, with many asking for stronger financial rewards as well as lifestyle benefits, such as flexibility. Ignoring these requests can drive workers to competitors who better meet their needs. To secure and retain talent, companies should strategically align their benefit offerings with what they know employees are seeking, and where full alignment is not possible, focus on open communication, transparency and alternative incentives that reinforce commitment and trust.

“A company’s perks and benefits structure reflects its wider corporate culture. Innovative and comprehensive packages not only help employee attraction and retention, but they can also support a long-term talent pipeline and help build staff engagement overall,” concludes Alexander.

RobertHalf_perks&benefits.pdf

Notes to editors

About the research

The study is developed by Robert Half and was conducted online in November 2024 by an independent research company among 500 full-time office workers in finance, accounting, and IT and technology. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs as well as large private, publicly-listed and public sector organisations across New Zealand. This survey is part of the international workplace survey, a questionnaire about job trends, talent management and trends in the workplace.

About Robert Half

Robert Half is the global, specialised talent solutions provider that helps employers find their next great hire and jobseekers uncover their next opportunity. Robert Half offers both contract and permanent placement services, and is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm.  Robert Half New Zealand has an office in Auckland. More information on roberthalf.com/nz

For more information    

Courtney Fletcher

PR Manager

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+61 421 209 304