'Flexiters': Kiwis threatening to leave over lack of flexibility at work

More than a third of employees in New Zealand have admitted that they plan to leave their organisation this year because their employer is not offering enough flexibility, according to a new report.

These employees represent an emerging group who experts have been calling "flexiters," described as those who are exiting a business from a lack of flexibility offered.

In New Zealand, a Frog Recruitment poll among 1,083 employees revealed that 34% will likely be flexiters.

"Kiwi workers are still demanding flexibility, and it has become a valuable bargaining tool around the negotiating table. Ignoring this expectation can create a talent exodus, and organisations must keep hold of their talent in our tight labour market," said Shannon Barlow, managing director at Frog Recruitment, in a statement.

According to Barlow, a flexit contributes to recruitment costs, workflow and team disruption, as well as loss of vital knowledge.

"In this post-pandemic world, if employers are yet to make work flexibility a mainstay or are recalling their workforce back to the office with limited consultation and staff resistance, a flexit may be on their horizon," she said.

Demand for flexibility

The findings come as demands for flexibility remain strong in New Zealand's post-pandemic workplace, according to the report.

In fact, 43% of employees said they are either somewhat or not satisfied with their current work flexibility, with 34% planning to ask their employers for more flexible hours.

According to the poll, flexible hours, working from home, reduced hours, working remotely can reduce stress and increase job satisfaction.

And for 69%, they said they would either definitely or probably leave their job if their employer cannot meet some of their workplace demands.

Barlow encouraged employers to be mindful of employees' priorities amid low unemployment rate in New Zealand.

"If retaining valuable talent is a challenge for your business, it's time to get creative with how you accommodate the needs of your workforce," she said.

She noted, however, that there will be 46% of employees who will remain likely remain in their roles even without flexibility in exchange of job security.

"With the current cost of living crisis and a critical need to pay the bills and feed a household, we can see how many workers will remain in their jobs, irrespective of a lack of work flexibility," Barlow said.