Tackling NZ’s Talent Shortage with Overseas Recruitment: Here’s Why It Matters
Do you need help to fill vacancies in your staff? You’re not alone. New Zealand is at the top of the “most prevalent talent deficit” list for essential industries like technology, engineering, banking, and manufacturing. The reason for shortage of skilled workers is that many workers have just less than three years of experience.
If you’re struggling to find the right talent, consider expanding your search and hiring from abroad. International employees can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that can really help your business thrive.
In this blog, we’ll share why you should offer international candidates jobs and how a New Zealand employment agency can help you.
Local Talent Shortages are Impacting Recruitment
Labour shortages happen for many reasons, like demographic changes, technological advancements, and shifting skill requirements. The aging workforce has also led to a skills gap between what employers need and what is available in the labour market.
Globalisation has intensified competition for talent, particularly in critical industries like healthcare, engineering, and IT.
As a result, companies are struggling to find candidates who possess the specific skills needed for modern roles. Prolonged job vacancies drive up recruitment costs and make it more challenging to meet essential business goals.
For example, construction companies might struggle to find skilled tradespeople like electricians, carpenters, and plumbers. This talent shortage can delay projects and drive-up costs because of the need for overtime or outsourcing.
On a larger scale, these shortages can slow economic growth, wide income gaps, and limit opportunities for people to move up.
Skilled Workers are Leaving New Zealand, Reducing the Talent Pool
New Zealand is facing a “brain drain” as young, skilled locals move abroad, making it harder for the country to replace them. The reasons for their departure are:
● Economic conditions
New Zealand is facing a second recession in less than two years. This economic downturn has created a grim outlook for many, leading them to seek better opportunities abroad.
● Cost of living crisis
The rising cost-of-living drives many Kiwis to seek more affordable living conditions and better-paying jobs elsewhere.
● Attractive opportunities in Australia
Australia has become a popular destination for Kiwis, offering higher pay and better working conditions. Half of the recent emigrants from New Zealand have moved to Australia, where they find both better job prospects and a more appealing economic environment.
● Post-pandemic travel surge
Many young Kiwis delayed their plans to travel or move abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic. With restrictions lifted, there is a surge in those choosing to leave. Some may even decide to stay overseas permanently because of the opportunities they find.
● Dissatisfaction with New Zealand’s future
Some Kiwis feel disillusioned about the country’s future. This sense of hopelessness and political changes, like the loss of a progressive government, have pushed some to seek stability and better prospects abroad.
The simultaneous trend of fewer arrivals compounds the “brain drain” problem, worsening the country’s skills worker shortage.
The Benefits of Overseas Recruitment
Having only a few local workers isn’t the end of the world. Perhaps it’s time to widen your horizons and hire foreign workers to keep your business afloat. Here’s how overseas recruitment can help you.
1. Access to a global pool of skilled candidates
By looking beyond New Zealand’s borders, you can access a more diverse range of qualified professionals. The global talent pool offers a wealth of experience, skills, and perspectives that can significantly enhance your company’s capabilities.
For example, if you’re struggling to find software developers with expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning locally, you might find the right candidate in markets like the Philippines, India, or Eastern Europe. These countries have a strong emphasis on tech education.
Partnering with recruitment agencies for overseas workers allows you to find candidates with the specific skills and experience you need, no matter their location.
2. Address pays parity issues
The challenge facing New Zealand businesses is the rising cost of labour, as local wages continue to increase. Managing these salary expectations while staying competitive can be difficult.
Hiring overseas candidates can help you access a broader range of salary expectations, which can help you find skilled professionals whose compensation aligns more closely with your budget.
This approach can provide a balanced solution—you attract talent without significantly impacting your financial resources while offering opportunities for international candidates seeking new roles. It’s a win-win that lets you manage costs and access the skills you need.
3. Faster visa processing for skilled workers
It’s common to feel concerned about hiring foreign workers because of the visa requirements. However, the visa process for skilled professionals has become easier in recent years.
For example, an “open” work visa allows foreign workers to work for any employer in New Zealand with no need of a job offer when applying. This option is available to specific groups, such as those on Working Holiday Visa schemes, partners of New Zealand citizens or residents, and new graduates who have recently completed qualifications in New Zealand.
Agencies like Staffhouse International Resources can help your employees through the visa application process. We offer expert support in understanding the requirements, preparing necessary documentation, and submitting applications, which can significantly reduce the stress and time involved in the process.
With us, you can ensure that your foreign workers have the best possible experience while navigating the visa system. We can also help you focus on what matters most growing your business and integrating new talent into your team.
Unlock Global Talent Potential with Staffhouse International Resources
We specialise in finding top overseas talent and assisting businesses with the entire recruitment and immigration process. Our services go beyond just recruitment – we also offer comprehensive support for your new hires, including pre-departure orientation seminars to equip candidates with essential knowledge about New Zealand’s culture, workplace expectations, and local regulations.
From visa processing to the seamless integration of international workers into your team, partnering with us ensures you access the global talent you need to drive your business forward.
