Kiwis urged to research Aussie work culture before moving

Thousands of Kiwis are being advised to research workplace culture in Australia before migrating in search of higher wages, as a new study reveals potential pitfalls in employment experiences across the Tasman.

The Great Place To Work Study, which assessed over 156,000 employees in both New Zealand and Australia, found that typical workplaces in Australia tend to lag behind their Kiwi counterparts in areas such as fairness, inclusivity, job security, and workplace safety. This research highlights the importance of investigating potential employers thoroughly before making the move.

According to the study, only 73% of employees in typical Australian workplaces believe their workplace is fair regardless of race, compared to 76% of employees in New Zealand. The gap widens significantly, reaching 93%, at organisations consciously improving their corporate culture. Additionally, just 67% of Australian workers feel their employer treats people equitably regardless of age, while 74% say their workplace is inclusive of all sexual orientations.

There is also a perceived lack of job security among Australian employees, with only 58% believing redundancies would be a last resort. Furthermore, only 55% feel adequately compensated for their work, raising concerns about trust and equity.

Rebecca Moulynox, General Manager for Great Place To Work New Zealand & Australia, explains that the study demonstrates noticeable differences in employment experiences between the two countries. "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," she states.

Moulynox advises that while financial incentives in Australia may appear attractive, it is crucial to consider factors beyond salary, such as workplace culture and long-term job security, to avoid potential mental health and familial strains. "Higher wages can be tempting, but money doesn't compensate for feeling undervalued, unsafe, or excluded at work," Moulynox remarks.

The study also indicates that workplace culture significantly impacts employee performance and retention. Moulynox highlights that organisations with positive work environments often have employees who are twice as likely to remain with the company. "When employees are disengaged, an organisation loses more than just productivity, it misses out on innovation, collaboration, and overall workplace morale," she notes.

However, Moulynox points out that not all Australian workplaces fall short. Companies certified as a 'Great Place To Work' perform on average 35% better than non-certified firms in terms of fairness, safety, and employee well-being. This offers guidance for Kiwis looking to move, as certification may indicate a positive workplace environment.

Certified New Zealand companies also surpass non-certified ones by about 21% on similar metrics, according to Moulynox. "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," she comments.

Moulynox advises Kiwi workers to thoroughly research potential employers in Australia and assess the workplace culture before accepting job offers. "For Kiwis considering shifting to a new role, whether internationally or domestically, our advice is to do your homework," Moulynox says. She suggests evaluating whether potential employers empower employee-led groups, encourage community impact, and provide safe spaces for continuous learning and innovation.

"Anyone who has worked at both a company that prioritises its people and one that doesn't can instantly recognise the difference," Moulynox observes. She concludes that the best workplaces set the standard for excellence and that finding the right employer is essential for experiencing a positive workplace culture.