Flexible Hours Offset RTO in New Zealand

The working arrangement has had the most positive impacts on productivity, work-life balance, and motivation, according to research from Robert Half. 

By Maggie Mancini

New Zealand workers say their employers have elevated workplace flexibility and enhanced flexible working hours while most employees return to the office, according to research from Robert Half. Flexible working hours are a type of work arrangement that allows employees to have some control over their work schedule, whether that makes flexible start and finish times or compressed work weeks.  

Nearly all (99%) of New Zealanders say they have flexible work hours. And while many (61%) employers expect workers back in the office full-time, workers say they have been given more control over the hours they start and finish their day.  

More than half (59%) of workers say their employer has increased flexible work hours compared to last year, with 19% saying they have increased significantly. Nearly one-third (30%) of workers say there has been no change in flexibility, while 10% say there has been a decrease.  

At the same time, only 39% say they have remote or hybrid working options, meaning most workers are expected to be in the office full-time.  

When asked how their current level of flexibility has impacted employees, productivity (67%) and work-life balance (65%) were cited as the two areas which have improved the most. Employee engagement is also positively impacted with 64% of office workers saying they are more motivated, and 62% stating they are happier in their role and more likely to stay with the company.