Beyond Salary · Benefits Report 2026

Cultivate Research Series · August 2026

Beyond Salary

What New Zealand employees really value beyond the pay cheque

Research with 1,003 New Zealanders in white-collar roles on non-cash benefits, wellbeing, and what moves them.

62%say their pay has fallen behind the cost of living
37%say benefits matter more than three years ago
19%say their benefits are genuinely well matched
40%would be less committed if extra leave were removed — 22% are offered it
67%have never been told what their benefits are worth