Guide to New Zealand workplaces
What’s expected of you at work, and how people relate to each other in the New Zealand workplace may be quite different from your home country.
Different ways of working
To fit successfully into a job here you’ll need to be aware of these differences and be prepared to adjust to the New Zealand way of working.
Compared to workers in other countries, New Zealanders are more likely to:
- Make suggestions to their boss and talk to them in an informal way
- Expect everyone to be treated fairly
- Enjoy working without close supervision
- Be willing to do a range of tasks, not just those they were hired for
For more information, visit Our NZ way of working
Settling in to a new job
For international students who have completed some or all of their studies in New Zealand, taking on a job here may not be as stressful as it can be for new migrants. But it still has challenges. Many organisations have their own distinct culture, and within the organisation, people have different values that affect their work and their relationships at work.
The good news is that New Zealanders are mostly very friendly and willing to help newcomers, so don’t be afraid to talk to your employer, your workmates or the person/people in charge of human resources in the organisation. Having a buddy or two at work can make all the difference to how quickly you settle in.
It is also a good idea to do some research before you start. New Zealand Immigration’s website New Zealand Now has comprehensive information on working in this country.