HR news – second week March

Employees more loyal now

A survey of almost 5,000 New Zealanders, conducted between early October 2009 and the end of January 2010, found that 32 percent say the economic downturn has made them more loyal, while 6 percent say it has made them less loyal, and 62 percent say it’s made no difference.

When asked to name the one thing that would make an employee more committed to their job, 46 percent cite ‘more interesting or challenging work’, followed by ‘higher salary or benefits’ and ‘more meaningful responsibility’ (both 15 percent).

-  Kelly Global Workforce Index

Employment optimism

The overall employment optimism across New Zealand continues to improve for the fourth consecutive quarter, with job seekers expected to benefit from a much stronger 2Q hiring pace compared to this time last year.

The survey of over 570 New Zealand employers indicates hiring intentions for the next three months have softened somewhat after notable improvements reported last quarter, with the seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook at +14%, up from +13% in the first quarter. This is due to an increase in the proportion of employers planning to hire (23%, up from 20% in Q.1) while there was no change in the number planning to decrease their headcounts (6%).

-  The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey

Same degree – yet women earn less

A recent study by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs has revealed that only one year after entering employment an income gap of up to six percent develops between men and women with a bachelor’s qualification or above.

Women’s Affairs Minister Pansy Wong says the findings of the study have established a clear difference in income between men and women who graduate within the same fields of study after five years, varying from just one percent for graduates in society and culture to 20 percent for graduates in management and commerce.

“The bottom line is that a bachelor’s degree held by a woman should be worth the same in the marketplace as one held by a man.” 

>>>> Full report here

Best Employers in Australia and New Zealand

Dimension Data, Express Data and Microsoft have been named the ‘Best of the Best’ in the Hewitt Best Employers programme.

The Best Employers in ANZ study was re-launched in 2009 as an employer accreditation program. The 2010/11 Hewitt Best Employers in ANZ accreditation program will launch in July 2010.

>>>> Full report here