It’s a new year, and a quiet rethink is happening across Aotearoa’s workforce. While pay packets still matter in a cost-of-living world, more Kiwis are questioning what they actually want from their jobs and discovering it’s not just about the number on the contract.
New insights from Kiwi-owned job platform ZEIL show job seekers are increasingly prioritising culture, flexibility, belonging and values over traditional perks, with listings that highlight wellbeing, inclusivity and human-first benefits getting far more attention. From paid birthdays off and hybrid work to pet-friendly offices and genuine mental health support, the small signals of care are adding up to big shifts in how we think about work. As people of all ages consider career changes and fresh starts, employers are being challenged to compete on more than salary alone and those who invest in connection, empathy and purpose may be the ones who win the talent game in 2026 and beyond.
As we get ready for 2026 to roll around, many Kiwis are reflecting on where they’re headed – and for a growing number, that means considering a change in career direction – but it’s not just about the money anymore. While rising living costs remain front of mind, job seekers are increasingly prioritising how a workplace makes them feel, not just what it pays.
According to Kiwi-owned job seeker platform ZEIL, the trend toward values-based employment is reshaping the way people think about work in 2026.
“People are asking different questions when they’re job hunting now,” says Caitlin Langlands, Marketing Manager at ZEIL. “Yes, salary matters, but so does the culture, the flexibility, and the sense of belonging. Candidates want to know if an employer genuinely cares about their wellbeing.”
ZEIL data shows increased engagement with job listings that highlight non-monetary benefits – from paid birthdays off and hybrid working options to pet-friendly offices and mental health support initiatives.
“These little things go a long way,” Caitlin says. “A paid day off on your birthday or being able to bring your dog to work might not sound huge, but they create an environment where people feel valued. That’s what today’s job seekers are drawn to.”
The shift isn’t limited to younger workers either. Across all age groups, there’s a growing appetite for employers who offer flexibility, foster community, and take social responsibility seriously.
Caitlin notes that female-led companies and those promoting inclusivity are also gaining traction among ZEIL users. “We’re seeing real momentum behind businesses that walk the talk when it comes to equality, diversity, and purpose. It’s not just a box-ticking exercise – people want to work somewhere that reflects their own values.”
For employers, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Many small and medium businesses can’t compete with large corporations on salary, but Caitlin says culture can be their greatest advantage.
“You don’t need a huge budget to build a great workplace,” she explains. “You need empathy, creativity, and communication. If you can make your team feel seen, supported, valued, and part of something meaningful, you’ll attract great people – and keep them.”
With a fresh year underway, ZEIL expects to see more workers exploring new paths and more employers rethinking how they position themselves in a competitive job market.
“It’s about finding the right fit on both sides,” Caitlin says. “When a business focuses on culture and connection, it becomes a place people actually want to be.”