New Zealand, We’ve Got a Discontent Workforce

New Zealand, We’ve Got a Discontent Workforce

New data from SEEK reveals an alarmingly high rate of discontent among the New Zealand workforce, with 76% of Kiwis actively seeking a new role or monitoring the job market. What’s more, two thirds say they’d like to work in a different industry altogether.[i]

The SEEK Change Report, released today, reveals our actions aren’t matching our aspirations. Despite more than half of the New Zealand workforce being excited by the prospect of change, just 35 per cent intend to find a new job this year. Yet, if history repeats, this figure in reality is likely to be closer to the 26 per cent who switched jobs last year.

SEEK’s data suggests there are a range of factors influencing our trepidation of changing jobs – fear of the process, rejection and feeling undervalued in our current roles can reduce the self-confidence needed to drive change. Practical commitments like a mortgage, lack of time and family responsibilities also provide barriers to action.

To encourage Kiwis to reflect on their career, SEEK has collaborated with established life coach and author, Louise Thompson, tackling head on the latent restlessness that exists in the workforce and addressing hesitation to change.
“I am passionate about people creating their best working life – one where they feel engaged and energised to get out of bed on aMonday morning. Finding our career ‘sweet spot’ is when we connect our passions and innate aptitudes with our experience and skills,” says Louise.

“SEEK’s research backs up what I see with my career coaching clients every day. Many people are excited by the prospect of a career or industry change - but they feel fear or resistance to making the leap in reality. A change in career doesn’t have to be drastic and can be a measured process where the risks are managed comfortably – I like to see it as a process of evolution rather than revolution.”

While most New Zealanders can expect to live beyond 80 years, just 13 years of those are spent at work once weekends, sleeping, socialising, childhood, retirement and various other pass times are accounted for[ii], calculated SEEK data analysts.

The key to making these years count may lie outside of the 9-5, says Louise;
“SEEK’s research shows that New Zealander’s are open to change in whatever form that may take in order to increase their level of personal fulfilment. The answer may lie in a change of job or industry, or it may well be an evolvement of their current career by gaining new qualifications or taking on a new project or challenge. Equally career satisfaction can be increased by looking outside the workplace to make a difference through rewarding activities such as volunteering,” she says.

“Our working life should be a part of our life where we create a space to thrive not just survive. 13 years is not that long to achieve all you want – it’s up to us to make the choices that make it count.”

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