When it comes to the perks and benefits employees use most, there’s a strong preference for ones that support flexibility and lifestyle, the research found.
The most popular benefits used by staff include working from home/hybrid options (41%), flexible work arrangements (32%), sabbaticals/leave of absence (26%), flexible benefits programme (23%) and extended parental leave (22%).
“Employees are placing greater value on benefits that give them more flexibility and better support their wellbeing,” Alexander said.
“The perks used most are those that provide practical, lasting support for work-life balance, reflecting a clear shift towards benefits many employees now see as essential rather than optional extras.”
However, while hybrid working and flexible arrangements may be the most-utilised benefits among Kiwi workers, around a quarter (30% and 24% respectively) of employees aren’t accessing these options.
“The fact that benefits like hybrid working and flexible arrangements appear on both the most-used and least-used lists shows there is a clear divide in how these benefits are experienced across workplaces,” Alexander said.
“In some organisations, they are a normal part of working life, while in others, they are limited by role type, eligibility or workplace culture.
“As employers rethink their total rewards strategies, it is not just about offering benefits, but making sure employees can genuinely access and use them.”