Workers divided on economy and Covid measures

Kiwi workers’ are more divided in their views about the state of the economy than at any point this year, according to the ELMO Employee Sentiment Index for the September Quarter.

The proportion of workers ranking the economy as ‘not secure’ has reached its highest level so far this year with 25 percent of workers reporting they think the economy is not secure. However, the proportion who rate it as ‘secure’ has also grown to its highest levels at 21 percent.

The shift suggests a polarisation in views about the performance of the economy as just over half (54 percent) of workers remain neutral in their view.

While workers remained divided about the economy, they were uncertain about their job security with just over half (54 percent) reporting it as ‘secure’. This is the lowest record of perceived job security to date.

The findings are from the ELMO Employee Sentiment Index, a quarterly research survey of working New Zealanders. The work is commissioned by ELMO Software and conducted by independent research firm Lonergan Research each quarter among more than 500 geographically dispersed working New Zealanders. The poll data is weighted to the latest Stats NZ data.

While there may be division about the state of the economy, the majority of New Zealand workers are on board with employers taking the lead on COVID-19 measures in the workplace.

Employers mandating COVID-19 vaccinations among their employees is supported by two thirds of New Zealand workers. This is up two-points from Q2 (64 percent). Workers are also happy for their employer to know their COVID-19 vaccination (89 percent) and test status (91 percent).

There is also broad support for the use of vaccine passports with four in five (82 percent) of workers saying they are in support of the measure.

However, a challenge looms for New Zealand employers, with half (51 percent) of New Zealand workers stating they are uncomfortable going into work if their colleagues are unvaccinated. This is up from two in five (42 percent) in Q2.

The greatest shift has been in the proportion of workers who believe New Zealand is on track with its vaccination roll-out. Seven in ten (70 percent) workers believe New Zealand is on track with its vaccination roll-out. This is up 13 points since Q2.

ELMO Software CEO Danny Lessem says employers need to take stock of what workers are telling them. “New Zealand workers are more divided in their views on the economy than at any other point so far this year. Some workers may well be thinking the situation is dire, while others believe things are returning to normal. Employers need to ensure they are attune to these differing views and concerns.

“When it comes to working with the virus, New Zealand workers are supportive of their employer introducing tough measures to keep the workplace safe. Whether it’s mandating vaccinations or tracking vaccination and test status, the great majority of workers are on board.

“The message from working is clear: they want to get the economy back on track and they want their employer to lead the charge when it comes to working safely with the virus.

“A tough challenge is emerging for employers. The proportion of workers uncomfortable working alongside unvaccinated colleagues has climbed to 51 percent of the workforce. This is going to take consultation and a deep dive into the data behind the workforce to understand how to move forward.”

The ELMO Employee Sentiment Index is a quarterly study which examines the attitudes, actions and concerns of New Zealanders in the workplace. The research questions ask respondents to both reflect on the past quarter as well as anticipate the months ahead. The report is completed each quarter to provide a rolling index of New Zealand workers attitudes and behaviours over time.