Working in New Zealand - New Zealand workplace culture
Values in the New Zealand workplace
Social class and strict workplace hierarchy have little impact on living and working in New Zealand, a young and continually developing country.
New Zealand prides itself on equal employment opportunities and being open-minded, tolerant and fair.
Modesty is one trait New Zealanders are renowned for. Successes are celebrated with satisfied self-restraint and when things don’t go according to plan Kiwis start from ‘scratch’ with little fuss and drama.
Tall Poppy Syndrome
While connections are valued, overplaying them is not. Likewise qualifications, titles and other displays of status and success are not overplayed.
This is quite possibly part of the reason for ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’ (another trait Kiwis are famous for!).
This syndrome is a mindset of “build ‘em up, then cut ‘em down” whereby Kiwis support the struggling up and coming but once they are overly successful, these ‘tall poppies’ are considered “too big for their boots” and lose support.
Workplace communication
Communication within the work environment is usually direct but always well mannered.
Offices are often open-plan and many bosses adopt an “open-door” policy. Of course it is still polite to knock and ask for a moment of their time rather than barge right in!
New Zealand workplaces are smokefree
Smoking inside work places (and bars and restaurants) is not permitted although often there is an area set aside for smokers.