Benefits in New Zealand

KiwiSaver is a voluntary savings scheme available to every new employee between the ages of 18 and 65. Its purpose is to help set employees up for retirement. The default employee contribution rate is 3% and can be extended to 10%. In addition, the employer also contributes 3%. Employees are automatically enrolled and can opt out within the first eight weeks after joining the company if they so wish.

Employers must cover all employees with accident insurance in the workplace for all work and non-work-related injuries. Coverage is around 0.72-1% of the employer’s monthly payroll.

Unemployment benefits are provided by the government and are available to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents who become unemployed. To qualify, the person must be unemployed, over 18, actively looking for a new job and have lived continuously in the country for at least two years. Jobseeker Support is a weekly payment up to NZ$607.00 gross. The amount depends on age, family status, number of dependents, and other personal circumstances.

Many tech startups in New Zealand let employees get an extra paid day off on their birthday.

A flexible work environment might mean a physically flexible workspace or alternate location, or it might refer to employees’ ability to apply flexible working practices to their roles. Most tech companies give employees the option to work from home for a better work-life balance.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) are free and confidential counselling and support services for employees. Employees are provided with practical assistance whenever personal or work issues arise that may impact any area of life or well-being. The counselling may be specific or general, for example, budgeting assistance or CV writing skills. Organisations often offer EAP to their employees as part of their more comprehensive health and safety program or as part of initiatives for improved diversity and inclusion.

Many companies offer assistance in developing employee career paths. This may include internal and external professional training to ensure employees stay up to date, progress in their careers, and grow in an organisation.

Companies may offer a range of different options to assist with the well-being of their employees. Things could include EAP, flexible working arrangements, fruits and snacks and discounts on gym memberships and health insurance policies.

Most tech companies give new employees new laptops and ergonomic setups when joining the company.

New Zealand has a free public healthcare system. Some employers may offer Private Health Insurance to their staff, usually limited to senior roles.

Share options are commonly offered by tech employers who want to encourage staff participation in a company’s shared ownership.

Some organisations provide employees with extended paid parental leave. This extension needs to be agreed upon between the employee and the employer.

Some companies let employees take unpaid leave for extended holidays, while some offer unlimited paid time off.

Some companies encourage charity work by offering time for it as a paid leave.