Employment Hero's recent 'Employment Uncovered' survey of 500 New Zealand workers found that 41% are actively or passively looking for work.
However, 62% avoid applying for roles because the hiring process is cumbersome.
The most common barriers include vague or confusing job advertisements, unrealistic skill requirements, slow or inconsistent communication, and lack of salary benchmarks.
Flexibility extends beyond location
Webster said companies that rethink work hours, schedules, part-time routes and alternative models will gain access to a broader talent pool.
New Zealanders are increasingly rejecting traditional 40-hour, fixed-location employment, with 73% saying they would rather work 'on demand', according to Employment Hero's Employment Uncovered survey..
Among workers aged 18 to 34, this number rises to 80%.
Webster said people want jobs that fit into their lives, not the other way around.
He said job design would become a competitive advantage for employers.
“Flexibility is no longer an advantage. By 2026, flexibility will be a fundamental expectation.”
Research conducted by consulting firm Robert Half earlier this year found that 39% of Kiwi workers have flexible working arrangements (such as leaving early, working late or working reduced hours) as a perk at work.
It was also the second most important perk New Zealanders wanted from their employers, after an agreed bonus.
AI capabilities determine which businesses accelerate
Despite more workers experimenting with AI tools in their daily lives, an Employment Uncovered study found that only 47% of employers encourage their employees to use AI in the workplace.
Mr Webster said New Zealand companies would be the ones that would win by enabling their employees to use AI, rather than fearing it.
“AI eliminates repetitive admin, streamlines hiring, and frees up teams to focus on high-value work, but only if capabilities grow with the technology,” he said.
“AI doesn’t replace people; it removes the administrative burden that hinders business growth. Combining smart tools with human capabilities improves everything: speed, fairness, and access to talent.”
He said organizations that invest in AI literacy, smarter processes and human-centered technology will be able to move faster and operate leaner in 2026.
As the new year approaches, Mr Webster said 2026 would be the year New Zealand “modernises”.
“Employers who embrace this change early will reap undeniable benefits.”
Cameron Smith is a business reporter based in Auckland. he herald Launched in 2015, it has covered business and sports. We report on topics such as retail, small business, the workplace, and macroeconomics..
