People know New Zealand for the scenery and the relaxed pace of life. What they ask me about, though, is what it is actually like to work here. The office can look familiar on day one and still feel a little different once you are in it. Here is what I tell people to expect.
Work and life sit in balance
Kiwis take their time off seriously. Most people work a standard 40-hour week and then go home, and a lot of employers are happy with flexible hours or some days from home. If you are coming from a place where long hours are a badge of honour, this takes some adjusting to. In a good way.
People work together
Work here leans on teamwork. Colleagues build proper relationships, talk things through openly, and expect you to say what you think. Sharing your ideas is not stepping out of line, it is the job. If you tend to wait to be asked, get comfortable speaking up sooner.
The work ethic is real
The relaxed tone fools some people. Kiwis still take their work seriously, do it well, and expect you to be reliable, turn up on time, and hit your deadlines. Easygoing does not mean casual about the actual work.
Different backgrounds are normal
New Zealand workplaces bring together people from all over, and that is treated as ordinary rather than remarkable. You are expected to treat everyone with respect, and you can expect the same back, whatever your background.
Things stay informal
First names from day one, even with the boss. Quick chats in the kitchen, a relaxed tone in meetings. It is friendly and easy to settle into, and it catches a few people off guard at first if they are used to something more formal.
One more thing you will hear a lot: “she’ll be right.” It is the local way of saying do not stress, it will sort itself out. Most of the time it does.
If you are planning to work in New Zealand, knowing how the workplace feels makes the first few months a lot smoother. Helping people get there is what I do. When you want to talk through your own move, get in touch and we will work out your next step.
