Every year, we survey our candidate community to find out what really motivates them at work. This year’s results in our 2026 Market Insights Report tell a clear story for any brand planning to hire: flexibility is no longer a nice-to-have. For many candidates, it’s close to as important as pay.
The stat that stood out
84% of the candidates we surveyed said they would prefer better work/life balance or flexible working arrangements over a promotion. 88% said they’d take a job offering hybrid working over one that was full-time on-site.
When we asked what matters most when considering a new job, 47% said salary. But 42% said work-from-home flexibility, and only 12% said employment benefits. In other words, the gap between pay and flexibility is small.
Why it matters right now
It’s been an unpredictable year in the talent market. Despite restructures, brand closures and high unemployment in Auckland, we haven’t seen a candidate-rich market. Instead, we’re seeing more people “hunkering down” and favouring job security over the risk of a new opportunity. And as always, the best talent is snapped up quickly.
That’s an important combination. 72% of the candidates we surveyed were considering leaving their job this year, but the strongest candidates won’t move unless the opportunity is genuinely compelling. Flexibility can be that reason.
What the best employers are doing
The brands securing and retaining top talent are the ones offering attractive flexible policies. That might be a four-day fortnight, a work-from-home day each week, or flexible hours to accommodate childcare. None of these require a bigger salary budget, but all of them make a role stand out.
What this means for your next hire
Decide what you can offer before you go to market. If flexibility is on the table, be clear about it early, rather than leaving it for the final negotiation.
Don’t treat salary as the only lever. With 47% prioritising salary and 42% prioritising work-from-home flexibility, a role that offers both has a clear advantage over one that offers only pay.
Move quickly on strong candidates. The best talent doesn’t stay on the market long, and candidates who are weighing job security against change need a clear, confident offer.
Want the full picture?
Our 2026 Market Insights Report also covers salary insights across all roles, the wellbeing benefits giving brands the edge on top talent, and what we’re seeing as AI changes the hiring landscape. Contact rachel@frameconsulting.co.nz to request your copy.