Despite valuing work-life balance, many employees say they’d return to the office full-time if it meant a pay rise
Eight in 10 employees in New Zealand would return to the workplace full-time in exchange for a salary increase, despite their strong preference for work-life balance, according to a new report.
Findings from SEEK's Money Matters Report found that 68% of New Zealanders would opt for a good work-life balance over a higher salary.
However, it also found that 80% would be happy to go back to their workplace full-time in exchange for a salary increase.
According to the report, nearly a quarter of employees would return onsite full-time for a six to 10% salary hike (24%) or for an 11 to 15% salary hike.
Further trade-offs
Not only this, but employees are also open to taking on additional work and extra hours in exchange for a 20% salary increase, the report revealed.
More than a quarter of employees said they would take on more responsibilities or workload (30%). They would also accept working extra hours (28%).
"The willingness to compromise for a 20% salary increase suggests that while work-life balance is valued, substantial financial incentives can shift priorities," the report read.
Rob Clark, SEEK's Country Manager, said their findings indicate that workers are seeking roles that can both support financial security and lifestyle needs.
"The connection between salary and employment is increasingly complex, and in 2025 the usual trade-offs between pay and work-life balance look very different," Clark said in a statement.
Financial security in New Zealand
The findings come as only 33% of employees feel secure about their current finances, including any savings and investments.
"The remaining respondents express some level of insecurity about their finances, reflecting broader concerns about economic instability," the report read.
Leah Lambart, SEEK's Career Coach, said the report shows how workers are being pulled between "two competing pressures."
"We can expect New Zealand workers to be increasingly weighing up the overall value of their work circumstances, not just the pay packet," Lambart said.
"For some, that could mean negotiating a salary increase for more time working in the office, or opting for a regular RDO (Rostered Day Off) in exchange for longer working hours spread across the month."
