New research has found 68 percent of workers would prioritise a good work-life balance over a higher salary.
Photo: Unsplash / Sigmond
Financial pressures are forcing New Zealanders to be increasingly pragmatic about prioritising work-life balance.
New research from SEEK, titled Money Matters, looked at how tension between financial security and workplace flexibility is influencing career decisions.
The research found 68 percent of workers would prioritise a good work-life balance over a higher salary, but with ongoing financial pressures, they are being forced to weigh up the cost of that balance.
Sixty-three percent of workers would not take a pay cut for more work-life balance, but would be willing to give up some flexibility for a pay rise.
“The connection between salary and employment is increasingly complex, and in 2025 the usual trade-offs between pay and work-life balance look very different.
“Our findings show that workers aren’t choosing one over the other – ultimately, they’re seeking roles that support both their financial security and their lifestyle needs,” said SEEK’s country manager, Rob Clark.
“We also know New Zealanders are under pressure from rising living costs, yet continue to place value on achieving balance in their working lives.
“By sharing this research, we hope to give workers the confidence to make informed career choices, while helping employers better understand the dynamics influencing today’s workforce,” he said.
Despite the survey showing a clear preference for work-life balance, workers would be willing to compromise on that when considering a 20 percent pay rise.
Thirty percent said they would be open to working increased hours, 28 percent said they would take on an increased workload, while 22 percent said they would work onsite full time and 17 percent would take on a longer commute.
Respondents were also asked what they would consider beyond an increased pay-packet, with 43 percent saying they would take increased annual leave.
“When you think about each generation, obviously, you know, the financial pinch at the moment might vary by generation, broadly speaking.
“So those who are a little younger at the start of their career, you know, will probably trade off certain things versus those who are towards the end.
“For example, baby boomers were much more about work-life balance than they were salary, but obviously, you know, the more younger generations were all about, how do I accumulate that sort of wealth, knowing that house prices are relatively high [and] cost of living is high.
“So, it very much depends on where you sit in that regard and that’s what makes it really interesting.” said Clark.
New Zealanders happy to return to the office … for a price
Working from home arrangements have become increasingly popular over the last few years, with 80 percent of those who are able to do so wanting to be compensated to return to the office full-time.
More than half were willing to give up working from home for a pay rise of up to 20 percent.
Willingness to sacrifice remote work for money was more evident among younger workers, with 91 percent of Gen Z willing to return to the office full-time for a salary increase.
Only 53 percent of baby boomers were willing to make this trade-off. For those who could work from home, 20 percent said no sum of money would get them back in the office full-time.
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