More than half, 54%, New Zealand employers are experiencing ‘growth’ or ‘rapid growth’, according to a survey of employers by Hays.

Hays also found that 11% of employers say they are still in the crisis phase while 22% describe their current state as defensive.

Furthermore, the survey shows that the percentage of New Zealand employers who are experiencing ‘growth’ or ‘rapid growth’ is ahead of every state and territory in Australia with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory.

Hays also asked employers what they are prioritising now. For over half, 53%, protecting the jobs of staff was the most important factor.

This was followed by supporting the mental health & wellbeing of staff (51%), regular and transparent communication with staff (43%), continued support of remote working (42%) and business agility (31%).

Employers nominated revenue growth (30%), maintaining a positive employment brand (28%), technology investments (20%), improving equality, diversity & inclusion in their organisation (19%) and downsizing (10%) as lesser priorities at this point in time.

Adam Shapley, Managing Director of Hays in New Zealand, said the survey’s findings are a good indication of how organisations are faring today in light of the pandemic.

“While there have been many pandemic job losses in organisations large and small, those that can protect jobs are able to shield their staff from unemployment and the resulting financial and mental health & wellbeing hardships,” Shapley said. “In fact, very early in this crisis employers prioritised the mental health & wellbeing of employees and our survey confirms this remains the second most important priority for them today.”