Thousands Of Kiwis Advised To Research Work Culture Before Migrating To Australia - Study

Thousands of Kiwis planning to migrate to Australia for higher salaries are being advised to investigate workplaces before committing to a move - with new research showing corporate culture across the Tasman can be less accommodating, particularly when it comes to race, gender, sexual orientation and job security.

The data findings highlight differences in inclusivity, workplace safety and employer commitment to staff retention across companies, factors which experts say should be carefully considered before making the move.

The Great Place To Work Study of over 156,000 Kiwi and Australian employees found that typical New Zealand organisations rate higher than typical Australian ones on key measures like fairness and inclusivity. However, the data also shows that the largest performance gaps in both countries are found between companies that prioritise workplace culture and those that don't.

According to the research, less than three-quarters (73%) of workers at typical workplaces in Australia believe their workplace is fair regardless of race - compared to 76% of typical New Zealand firms. This percentage reaches up to 93% when organisations make a conscious effort to improve their culture however.

Similarly, only two-thirds (67%) of Australian workers in typical firms said they feel their employer treats people equitably regardless of age, and 74% say their workplace is inclusive regardless of sexual orientation.

The report reveals a perceived lack of job security in the typical Australian workplace, with only 58% of employees believing redundancies would be used as a last resort. Similarly, just 55% feel people are paid fairly for the work they do, highlighting concerns around trust and equity in the employee experience.

Workplace safety perceptions also vary, with only one in every two (51%) people describing their workplaces as a psychologically and emotionally healthy place to work. In addition just 78% of Australian workers indicated they feel their office is a physically safe place to work, compared to 81% in New Zealand.

Rebecca Moulynox, general manager for Great Place To Work New Zealand & Australia, a global human resources research and certification organisation, says the findings reveal a noticeable difference in employment experiences.

She says with corporate culture playing an increasingly important role in career satisfaction, the data serves as a reminder for New Zealanders chasing higher wages across the Tasman.

“We see consistent gaps in inclusivity and fairness between the average New Zealand and Australian workplace, meaning Kiwis need to be selective about where they work.

“While financial incentives in Australia may seem attractive, workers must look beyond salary and consider workplace culture, inclusivity and long-term job security.

“Higher wages can be tempting, but money doesn’t compensate for feeling undervalued, unsafe, or excluded at work. You don’t want to go to a toxic work environment. The strain on your mental health and the strain on your family if you go to a place that’s not treating you well is significant,” she says.

Moulynox says workplace culture has a direct impact on performance and engagement, and that flow-on effect is seen in retention, with staff typically twice as likely to stay at organisations that are genuinely committed to building a positive workplace culture.

“When employees are disengaged, an organisation loses more than just productivity, it misses out on innovation, collaboration, and overall workplace morale.

“If employees can't be themselves at work, feel engaged, take pride in their work, or trust their leaders, they’re not fully present. They show up, but they’re not truly contributing, lacking engagement, connection, and the commitment an organisation needs to thrive,” she says.

Moulynox says that the data shows that not all Australian workplaces operate at this lower standard.

She says organisations that have had their corporate culture assessed as showing a commitment to fairness, safety, and employee well-being and certified as a ‘Great Place To Work’ in Australia performed on average 35% higher than non-certified firms - suggesting Kiwi workers considering a move should look for certification as an indicator of a positive workplace when assessing potential employers.

She says in comparison, certified companies in New Zealand perform around 21% better than those that have not been assessed.

“Our research shows that while some workplaces provide excellent environments, the average organisation that has not invested in improving workplace culture performs noticeably worse than those that have - on key measures of fairness, safety and employee well-being,” she says.

Moulynox says Kiwi workers should carefully research their potential employer before accepting a job offer in Australia.

She says anyone who has worked for companies where internal culture is fostered will instantly recognise the difference.

“For Kiwis considering shifting to a new role, whether internationally or domestically, our advice is to do your homework.

“During the interview, pay attention to how the organisation builds trust with its people. Do they empower employee-led groups? Encourage volunteering and community impact? Make space for continuous learning, not just in formal settings, but by creating a safe environment to innovate, experiment, and even fail without fear?

“These are signs of a culture where trust isn’t just talked about, it’s lived through actions that support, respect, and uplift every employee.

“Anyone who has worked at both a company that prioritises its people and one that doesn’t can instantly recognise the difference. They know what it feels like to be part of an organisation that genuinely values its employees beyond just generating profit.

“The best workplaces in Australia and New Zealand set the standard for excellence, creating environments where employees thrive. Finding the right employer is key to experiencing this level of workplace culture,” says Moulynox.

Research methodology

The Great Place to Work Study research methodology was developed by organisational psychologists, data scientists and workplace culture experts. These international specialists designed the approach to measure employee experience, workplace trust and company culture using a data-driven framework that has been refined through decades of research across 100 million employees in 150 countries.

© Scoop Media