Research from Robert Half finds 94% of workers are taking steps to increase their employability if they need to find a new role in 2025.
By Maggie Mancini
Fear about potential redundancies this year has made job security a paramount concern for workers in New Zealand, who now prioritise maintaining their employment over higher pay, according to research from Robert Half.
Most (81%) workers are concerned that redundancies will occur at their companies in 2025 and even more (94%) are already taking steps to increase their employability if they do need to find a new role. Meanwhile, more than a third (37%) of workers are prioritising job security ahead of pay this year, as they recognise the tough economic conditions their employers are juggling and are uncertain as to whether they will find a better position at another company. This is compared to 16% who prioritise salary over job security, and 47% who value both equally.
The research reveals most workers are making sure they are prepared for a redundancy if and when it may occur, regardless of whether they are concerned about their job security this year. In fact, 94% are taking one or more steps to prepare for potential redundancy. For some, that entails looking for another job to move into before a redundancy occurs. For others, their preparations involve being informed about their company’s plans and increasing their employability.
“Workers are taking a proactive approach to their careers, anticipating potential employment changes by actively investing in their development. Rather than waiting for restructures to affect their roles, they are future-proofing their skills, embracing upskilling and networking,” says Ronil Singh, director at Robert Half. “This shift toward intentional career management isn’t just about boosting income, it’s about building resilience and securing long-term opportunities in an evolving job market. If redundancies do eventuate, having this kind of positive and proactive attitude will stand workers in good stead to secure their next role.”
