Coasties, the work-from-home (WFH) trend that surged during the COVID-19 pandemic remains strong in New Zealand, with nearly 9% of job listings still advertising remote or hybrid options.

This is a significant increase from just 1.3% in early 2020, according to SEEK’s latest data.

Although slightly lower than its September 2023 peak of 10.3%, the WFH rate in December 2023 stood at 8.9%.

This figure suggests that flexible work arrangements remain a key feature of New Zealand’s job market, even as labour conditions shift.

WFH remains far more prevalent in white collar industries. Insurance & Superannuation leads the way, with around a third of job ads allowing remote work.

The ICT and Banking & Financial Services sectors follow closely, with approximately a quarter of job listings offering WFH options.

In contrast, industries requiring in-person work—such as Trades & Services, Hospitality & Tourism, and Retail—have seen little to no increase in remote work opportunities.

SEEK data indicates that WFH rates in these sectors remain close to pre-pandemic levels, with roles such as paramedics, nurses, and kitchen hands offering no remote work flexibility.

The ability to work remotely is also unevenly distributed across the country.

Wellington has the highest WFH rate at 13.4%, followed by Auckland at 11.5%.

In contrast, Marlborough has the lowest rate at 3.3%, reflecting regional differences in industry composition and employment patterns.

Labour market trends remain in flux, and the future of remote work is still being shaped by employer and employee preferences.

While many workers value flexible work options, some businesses are reconsidering WFH arrangements, either reducing the number of remote days for hybrid employees or eliminating remote work altogether.

The balance between employer expectations and worker demand will likely continue evolving throughout 2024.

Although a temporary decline in WFH rates is possible, experts suggest that long-term trends may stabilise at a higher level than pre-pandemic norms.

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