Culture and the world of work in New Zealand

Arriving in a country is in a way like starting everything from scratch. In addition to having to find housing, set standards and find a job, we also have to understand the “how”, the way things work in this new country and the new standards that are now part of our daily lives. Although this can be an exciting time for the curious among us, it can also be a confusing and confusing time.

The world of work is not free from cultural differences. In New Zealand, the relationship with work is different from what we are used to in France or Belgium (a bit more like what we find in Canada). In our article Finding a Job in New Zealand, we cover the practical differences that exist in the world of work in New Zealand: application, cover letter, job interview, etc. However, in this article, let's focus more on Cultural aspect. This will undoubtedly highlight some practical differences and help you better integrate into this new environment.

Seasonal work

Seasonal work is common in New Zealand. Although many pvtists participate in this system, they are not the only ones. actually, The Kiwi year is also punctuated by seasonal work. Whether it's the gardening or tourism seasons, many New Zealanders also work seasonally. Hence, it is not uncommon to see Deck workers In Kaikoura in the summer to become Lifting operations At a ski resort in Wanaka in winter, or even kayak guides who work in Abel Tasman in summer and guide in Norway… in summer too (but European this time)!

What are the consequences for pvtists?

A consequence of this seasonal world of work is that things move around a lot in New Zealand. Maybe you're done pruning Kiwi one day and working as a hiking guide the next, before cleaning out the lodge two months later. Taking a working holiday in a country as mobile as New Zealand is an opportunity for thisTry lots of different things.

You can also leave a job more easily. Employers accustomed to this world where employees arrive and leave after a few weeks generally only require a week or two's notice. So you can switch work periods and travel periods without any problem. However, be careful, there may be certain advantages to spending more time with the same employer (and staying for a full season, for example) as it may be very beneficial to you during off-peak periods when there are fewer jobs, such as In July or August.

Mobility between sectors

Just as there is movement throughout the seasons, there is also great movement between sectors. Therefore, it is not unusual to meet New Zealanders from different professional backgrounds. Unlike France or Belgium where young people are encouraged to find “their way” and choose a career at a fairly early age, in New Zealand we encourage… Diversifying experiences, testing and developing cross-sectional skills. So don't be surprised to learn that your canoeing guide is actually a lawyer for the rest of the year or that your colleague at the kiwifruit packing plant suddenly decided to become a dental assistant.

What are the consequences for pvtists?

Although professionals are unlikely to consider a career in New Zealand, mobility between sectors means that in New Zealand, We give much more importance to our coping skills and learning abilities. If you don't have experience in a field but have the motivation or some indirect skills to show for it, there's a good chance you'll get a chance to prove yourself. So, if the job interests you but you don't think you meet all the interview criteria, try it anyway, you have nothing to lose!

Family environment

Most New Zealand companies are small and have, on average, fewer than 14 employees. Therefore, there is generally a A warmer and more family atmosphere. The head of the company can be one of your colleagues with whom you can maintain a friendly relationship. It's also not uncommon for us to get together for a drink after work. Yes, with your boss too! The exchanges will also be less formal than those to which French and Belgian investors are accustomed. It can be confusing at first, but you get used to it very quickly. Be careful, this doesn't mean you can afford everything! He's still your boss.

What are the consequences for pvtists

Who says family environment, says family…or in any case, close relationships! These small businesses will create some closeness between you and your colleagues. This way it can be much more It's easy to make friends (And kiwi friends!) Especially if you're planning to stay in the area for a few months.

Lack of specialization

Another consequence of the size of New Zealand companies (but worth the point in itself) is the lack of specialization within entities. In fact, since there are fewer employees, everyone has to do it Perform tasks indirectly (or not at all) related to their position. So you might start working as a waiter at a coffee shop and find yourself ordering equipment yourself.

What are the consequences for pvtists

Indirectly, this diversification of tasks can give you a small boost of self-confidence. I don't know about you, but personally, I find it helpful when people trust my learning abilities and tell themselves that we simply can Learn new things at work.

Although some of these tasks may appeal to you, they still allow you to learn much more than you thought you would on the job. So you can Mobilize (or develop) many transversal and soft skills Which will be useful to you in other areas (and when you return home too!).

Cold Side: You'll be right, at the last minute, the outfit…

If you don't know it yet, New Zealand is famous for being extreme laid back, coldor even casual. As they say in New Zealand, You will be rightit will be fine. This also applies to the world of work. So, don't be surprised to see people working barefoot, accepting small (sometimes big) mistakes, or even making (very) last-minute changes. In New Zealand, we don't worry and settle for what's there.

What are the consequences for pvtists?

Somehow, the family environment and laid-back side of the job give European professionals (generally more serious than New Zealanders) a leg up. Image of good workers. It doesn't take much to please employers in New Zealand: if you show up on time, smile and do what you're asked, you're a good employee. Moreover, if you take some initiative and use common sense, you are a great employee. So we can easily congratulate you on tasks that seem unimportant to you, and even ask you for your advice or opinion if you are a bit resourceful.

However, this cold side can too Requires some adaptationespecially when it comes to the last minute. In fact, for many jobs (especially in gardening), we can send you an SMS at 6am every morning to tell you what time your work day starts (or even to warn you that the day is canceled!). So it is difficult to plan activities when you depend on last minute SMS.

Fortunately, this aspect has more than just drawbacks. In fact, you could find yourself out of work one day, receive 3 job offers the next, sign a contract in the evening, and start your new job the next morning. Effective!

working hours

Despite this cold side, New Zealanders can also work hard, combining full-time work with temporary assignments or freelancing in their spare time. So, Work weeks can be busy sometimes And it makes you feel like you're just working. On the contrary, some jobs A little more unstable It depends on external elements such as the weather or the number of customers.

So working hours can be very volatile in New Zealand. Depending on your contracts and types of jobs (such as gardening vs. tourism), you can work from just a few hours to more than 60 hours a week. It is important that we are aware of this reality so that we are not surprised one way or another.

For example :

• You work as a berry picker under an informal contract. You have been told that you will work 6 days a week but the work depends on the weather. One week you work 50 hours and the next week you work only 4 hours.
• You work in catering on a fixed-term contract and the job description says 35+ hours. At the beginning of the season, she works 35 hours a week. But when the tourists arrive, you work between 45 and 60 hours depending on the week.

What are the consequences for pvtists?

You may work more or fewer hours than you want. Either way, it can cause you frustration. Remember, if a job doesn't suit you, you can easily leave it (and find another job).

conclusion

The world of work in New Zealand is therefore very different from the world of work in Europe. This will please some and frustrate others. Regardless, like any cultural difference, the differences between the world of work as you know it and this new world of work can spark many thoughts.

These ideas can make you step back from what you are used to and can give meaning to your own vision of the business. Experiencing another world of work is an opportunity to get to know yourself and learn more about what you want to do professionally.