The 2024 Job Breakdown with ZEIL

As 2024 is now in the rearview mirror, ZEIL reflects on a transformative year in New Zealand’s job market. From evolving workplace expectations to the rise of new job categories, our platform has captured key data points that reveal how job seekers and employers adapt to an ever-changing world. Here’s a look back at the trends that shaped 2024 and what they mean for the future of work.

In 2024, work-life balance became more than just a buzzword - it became a defining factor in job searches. The most sought-after workplace perks included birthdays off, four-day workweeks, remote work, and flexible hours. However, a new contender, Lifestyle Leave, also began gaining traction as workers sought more personal time beyond standard leave policies.

This shift highlights a deeper cultural change: job seekers are prioritising their well-being and expecting employers to do the same. Companies that recognised this trend saw greater engagement from potential candidates, proving that a people-first approach is no longer optional - it’s essential.

Today’s job seekers want workplaces that align with their values. Searches for inclusive job environments surged on ZEIL, with top preferences including dog-friendly offices, LGBTQIA+ support through the Rainbow Tick, neurodiverse-friendly policies, and companies committed to Indigenous rights and cultural competency training.

Employers who embrace these values attract more diverse talent and strengthen their internal cultures. Inclusion isn’t just a feel-good policy - it’s a competitive advantage that helps businesses thrive by bringing together a variety of perspectives and experiences.

While the initial remote work boom has cooled, flexible work options remain a top priority for job seekers. In fact, 69.55% of all job searches on ZEIL focused on remote roles, far outpacing searches for in-office or hybrid work.

Industries such as ICT and Accounting led the way, with 20% and 11% of roles offering remote options, respectively. This suggests that while some industries have embraced remote work fully, others have adopted a more selective approach, offering remote options based on role-specific needs.

The generational divide in job preferences has never been clearer. Gen Z job seekers, typically aged 18-24, gravitated toward retail and hospitality roles, prioritizing part-time and casual work with perks like free food, flexible hours, and birthdays off.

Millennials, on the other hand, pursued more career-driven opportunities in fields such as marketing, admin, and customer service. They placed a stronger emphasis on management roles and advocated for cultural values like wage equality, neurodiverse inclusion, and Indigenous rights.

Employers that understood and addressed these distinct generational needs positioned themselves as leaders in recruitment and talent retention throughout the year.

New Zealand’s economy continued to lean heavily on its service industry, with hospitality, retail, and logistics leading in both job volume and applications. Entry- and mid-level positions saw the highest number of applications, emphasizing the importance of these roles in sustaining economic activity.

Interestingly, the most applied for role on ZEIL in 2024 was the Customer Service Queen at Girls Get Off - a reminder that even unconventional job titles can capture attention when paired with a strong employer brand.

As traditional benefits like salary and insurance became baseline expectations, companies sought creative ways to stand out. Lifestyle Leave and dog-friendly offices emerged as game-changing perks, reflecting a deeper understanding of what today’s workforce values: personal time, mental health, and a better work-life balance.

Employers that took risks with unique perks were rewarded with increased interest from potential hires, showing that thinking outside the box pays off in recruitment.

Entry and mid-level roles played a crucial role in shaping New Zealand’s job market this year. Positions such as receptionist, support worker, and team member received the highest number of applications on ZEIL.

These roles often serve as gateways for young professionals and career changers alike, offering valuable work experience and opportunities for advancement. As the economy evolves, supporting entry-level hiring will remain a critical factor in workforce development.

The industries commanding the highest average salaries in 2024 were no surprise. CEO and general management roles topped the list at an average of $150,570 annually, followed by ICT ($129,776), legal ($118,254), and consulting and strategy ($110,944).

Meanwhile, specific outlier roles broke records, with a Senior Civil Engineer earning $380,000 and a Microsoft Purview Implementation Specialist taking home $374,400. These salaries reflect both the demand for specialised expertise and the potential rewards for professionals at the top of their fields.

Contract roles experienced explosive growth in 2024, surging by 104% year-over-year and seeing a 300% spike in November alone. The most active sectors for contract roles included trades and services, logistics, healthcare, IT, and professional services.

Interestingly, white-collar contract roles were 70% more likely to offer remote or hybrid options, while blue-collar contract roles remained exclusively on-site. This flexibility has attracted many job seekers looking for dynamic work arrangements and employers seeking specialised talent on demand.

As we close out 2024, ZEIL’s data paints a clear picture of an evolving job market where flexibility, inclusivity, and purpose-driven work have become key priorities. Businesses that adapt to these expectations - offering creative perks, embracing diversity, and enabling flexible work - will remain competitive in the hiring landscape.

Whether you're a job seeker looking for your next adventure or an employer ready to build a future-proof team, ZEIL is here to help. Discover thousands of opportunities and find your perfect fit today!