In the highly competitive world of tech and marketing in Australia and New Zealand, people and culture have emerged as critical factors in attracting and retaining top talent. While salaries and benefits remain important, professionals in these industries are increasingly prioritizing environments where they feel valued, supported, and aligned with the company’s mission.
Here’s a closer look at what matters most to tech and marketing talent in Australia and New Zealand—and what doesn’t.
What’s Important to Tech and Marketing Talent?
1. Work-Life Balance
For professionals in Australia and New Zealand, work-life balance is non-negotiable. The culture in these regions emphasizes personal time, and employees are drawn to workplaces that respect this.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: The ability to work from home or choose hybrid models is now a baseline expectation.
- Reasonable Hours: Long hours and burnout are deal-breakers for many, with candidates favoring companies that promote sustainable workloads.
2. Purpose-Driven Work
A growing number of professionals want their work to have meaning beyond profits.
- Tech Talent: Developers and engineers often seek companies working on innovative or impactful projects, such as sustainability or AI for social good.
- Marketers: Marketing professionals want to align with brands that reflect their values, focusing on authenticity, diversity, and positive impact.
3. Career Growth Opportunities
Top talent expects clear paths for advancement and opportunities to learn and grow.
- Upskilling and Training: Access to continuous education, certifications, and mentorship programs is highly valued.
- Internal Mobility: Employees want to know they can explore new roles or projects within the company.
4. Inclusive and Supportive Cultures
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are no longer optional—they’re essential.
- Inclusive Workplaces: Employees expect companies to actively support diverse hiring practices and foster an environment where everyone feels valued.
- Mental Health Support: Access to mental health resources and an open dialogue around well-being are highly appreciated.
5. Leadership and Transparency
Professionals want leaders who inspire and communicate clearly.
- Empathetic Leadership: Employees gravitate toward leaders who are approachable and genuinely invested in their teams’ success.
- Transparency: Clear communication about goals, challenges, and changes builds trust and loyalty.
What Isn’t Important to Talent Anymore?
1. Office Perks
In the post-pandemic world, flashy perks like free snacks, foosball tables, or fancy office spaces have lost their appeal. Professionals are more interested in substantive benefits like flexibility and mental health support.
2. Overly Corporate Cultures
Rigid hierarchies and formalities are falling out of favor. Today’s talent prefers authentic, down-to-earth workplaces where collaboration is encouraged.
3. Big-Name Brands Without Substance
Working for a prestigious brand is no longer the ultimate goal if the culture doesn’t align with employees’ values. A company’s reputation for supporting its people now carries more weight than its logo.
Differences Between Australia and New Zealand
While there are many similarities, a few nuances stand out:
- Australia: With larger tech hubs like Sydney and Melbourne, Australian companies often have more resources for perks and career development. However, competition for top talent is fierce, especially in startups and tech giants.
- New Zealand: Known for its strong focus on work-life balance and sustainability, Kiwi companies often emphasize a close-knit, community-driven culture. Professionals here value ethical practices and environmental consciousness even more strongly.
How Companies Can Create Winning Cultures
- Embrace Flexibility: Offer hybrid work options and let employees take ownership of their schedules.
- Invest in Growth: Provide upskilling opportunities and clear career pathways.
- Prioritize DEI: Build diverse teams and create a culture where everyone feels they belong.
- Foster Well-Being: Support mental health and encourage a healthy work-life balance.
- Be Transparent: Communicate openly about company goals, challenges, and how employees contribute to success.
The Bottom Line
For tech and marketing talent in Australia and New Zealand, a great salary alone won’t cut it anymore. Professionals are looking for workplaces that prioritize flexibility, purpose, growth, and inclusivity. Companies that understand these priorities will stand out in a competitive market and build teams that drive innovation and success.
If you’re looking to build or join a company with an outstanding people and culture environment, Big Wave Digital can help. We specialize in connecting top talent with organizations that truly value their employees. Let us help you find the perfect match for your career or team.
