Ad copy

The 2025 data is in, and the message for New Zealand employers is loud and clear: The "old way" of working isn't just dated, it’s a business risk. Last year, 54% of Kiwi workers admitted to taking a "sickie" when they weren’t physically ill. This wasn’t about playing hooky; it was a desperate "safety valve" against burnout. As we move into 2026, the focus must shift from reactive leave to proactive sustainability. To win the talent war and keep your best people this year, here is how you should adapt your 2026 strategy based on the shifts we saw in 2025.