How NZ workplaces can thrive in 4 steps

This article was produced in partnership with Great Place To Work

Great Place To Work is a global authority on workplace culture. It offers the most respected workplace Certification and lists, unparalleled data and benchmarking, and industry-leading research and insights, all supported by a wealth of resources and a thriving community. 

In a world where workplace scandals and declining trust in leadership are common, how do some companies thrive?

Organisations in New Zealand have the chance to create environments defined by ethical leadership, transparency, and active engagement, by drawing on insights from global benchmarks – like those captured by Great Place To Work®.

Workplaces can standout by showcasing key themes identified as key contributors to positive workplace culture, such as the below four  – Integrity, communication, recognition, and trust in leadership.

So, how can New Zealand companies best understand these themes and why are they important?

Integrity: the bedrock of great leadership

This is particularly true for the newest generation entering the workforce—Gen Z. Actions speak louder than words, and companies where leaders consistently embody the organisation’s values are seeing the most success. Data from Great Place To Work shows that in the Best Workplaces, 96% of employees believe management is honest and ethical, compared to just 54% in typical workplaces. This global standard offers New Zealand companies a clear message: prioritising integrity isn’t aspirational—it’s essential for success.

Trust through engagement and communication

Building trust isn’t just about ethics; it’s also about how management engages with employees. Global benchmarks reveal that top workplaces are those where employees feel heard. In Australia, 92% of employees in the Best Workplaces say management involves them in decisions, compared to only 50% in typical workplaces.

A culture of collaboration, where employee input is valued, sets high-performing workplaces apart. New Zealand organisations can lead the way by fostering such engagement, which will not only boost satisfaction but also help retain top talent.

Support and recognition

While many organisations struggle to foster innovation, Great Place To Work certified companies thrive because they support and recognise employee contributions. Management in these workplaces views mistakes as learning opportunities, not failures.

Globally, 94% of employees in the Best Workplaces say management recognises honest mistakes as part of doing business, compared to just 56% in typical workplaces. For New Zealand companies, this approach will be crucial in driving innovation and keeping employees engaged.

Stability and trust in leadership

As economic pressures increase, employees are prioritising stability and trust in leadership over camaraderie. Data from Australia shows that 91% of employees in the Best Workplaces believe management delivers on its promises—far higher than the 47% seen in typical workplaces.

Creating a stable work environment with reliable leadership will be a key factor in shaping New Zealand’s first-ever Best Workplaces list. Trust in leadership is more than a buzzword; it’s a strategic advantage for attracting and retaining top-tier talent.

Great Place To Work New Zealand is set to launch its inaugural Best Workplaces list in 2025, offering global benchmarks to guide the path to success for New Zealand organisations. By prioritising integrity, transparent communication, support for innovation, and strong, stable leadership, New Zealand organisations have the opportunity to lead the way and redefine what it means to create an exceptional workplace.

To learn more about the upcoming Best Workplaces in New Zealand 2025 List and how your organisation can showcase it’s incredible workplace culture, visit Great Place To Work.