Employers and employees appear to have different perspectives on flexible work arrangements, according to the 2024 Workplace Wellbeing Survey.

The survey, conducted for the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) and nib New Zealand, gathered responses from more than 1,200 New Zealand workers and revealed that while 83% of employees seek flexible work conditions and 76% prefer hybrid working arrangements, employers are not prioritising these as much.

This disconnect could affect job satisfaction and retention, as many workers view flexible working conditions as critical to their work-life balance.

Employers, meanwhile, are focusing on other aspects of workplace wellbeing, but with fewer resources allocated to employee assistance programs (EAPs) and parental leave, despite growing employee demand. The survey highlights that only 33% of employers plan to invest in EAPs, down from 43%, and just 12% are considering extended parental leave, even though a quarter of employees want this benefit.

Health insurance, however, has emerged as a top priority for employees, with 64% of workers stating that access to medical and health insurance is important when considering new job opportunities.

Yet, only 29% of employers plan to invest in health insurance, creating another potential gap between employee expectations and employer offerings.

This rising demand for health insurance presents a significant opportunity for life insurance advisers too as more workers are also looking for other insurance types like income protection (48%) and life insurance (43%).

nib chief executive Rob Hennin highlighhts the benefits of investing in employee health, noting that it not only meets employee expectations but also fosters a healthier, more productive workforce. This focus on wellbeing can reduce absenteeism and increase job satisfaction, making health insurance an attractive offering for prospective talent.

As employers navigate the shifting demands of the modern workplace, life insurance advisors are well-positioned to help them meet these growing needs, particularly by providing tailored insurance packages that resonate with today’s workforce.