Kiwis take fewer leave days than Aussies & Brits

Data from a new study by Employment Hero indicates that workers in New Zealand are taking fewer leave days annually compared to their counterparts in Australia and the UK, raising concerns about employee well-being and productivity.

The analysis, which covered 21,259 employees in New Zealand, found that the average number of leave days taken by New Zealanders is 14 per year. In contrast, Australians and Britons each average 16 days of annual leave. This discrepancy highlights potential risks to long-term productivity and mental health among workers in New Zealand.

Taking sufficient rest is deemed essential for maintaining productivity and mental health, especially during periods of heightened pressure such as at year-end. Employment Hero provides a platform to assist businesses in managing leave effectively by streamlining the process, flagging high leave balances proactively, and ensuring that team capacities are balanced against individual wellness needs.

The 2024 Wellness at Work Report by Employment Hero has reported a rise in employee burnout among New Zealanders, with 61% experiencing burnout in the past three months, an increase from 53% noted in the previous year. This statistic indicates an urgent need for businesses to address these issues.

Employment Hero offers solutions such as streamlined leave management, which automates leave requests, approvals, and tracking to ensure transparency and fairness. Additionally, the platform provides integrated Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for confidential employee support and utilises morale and wellness surveys to deliver real-time insights into workforce needs.

Encouraging a culture of adequate rest has become essential, rather than optional, for productivity, employee retention, and organisational resilience. Businesses adopting HR technology to manage and support employee well-being are better prepared to tackle the challenges of a rapidly evolving workplace.

Tools like Employment Hero are designed to align employee needs with operational goals, supporting healthier, more satisfied, and more productive teams across New Zealand.