Hirestaff

How to Attract and Keep Great Workers in 2026

Attracting good workers has always been important - but in 2026, it’s critical.

With ongoing skill shortages, rising competition for talent, and changing expectations from workers, New Zealand businesses can no longer rely on job ads alone to bring in the right people - or keep them.

The businesses that win in 2026 will be the ones that understand what workers actually want, move quickly, and create environments people want to stay in.

Here’s how to attract and keep great workers in 2026.

‍

1. Move Fast or Miss out

‍

In today’s hiring market, speed is everything.

Good workers don’t sit around waiting. If your hiring process drags on, chances are they’ll accept another role before you’ve made an offer.

To attract top talent in 2026:

Streamline your hiring process
Reduce unnecessary interview stages
Be clear and decisive with offers

The faster you move, the more likely you are to secure quality workers before your competitors do.

‍

2. Offer Flexibility Where Possible

Flexibility isn’t just a “nice to have” anymore - it’s expected.

Even in hands-on roles, workers value:

Predictable schedules
Consistent hours
The ability to scale work up or down
Short-term or project-based opportunities

Businesses that can offer flexibility - either through their structure or staffing model - are far more attractive to today’s workforce.

3. Create a Workplace People Want to Stay In

Attracting workers is only half the battle. Keeping them is where many businesses struggle.

In 2026, workers are staying where they feel:

Respected and supported
Clearly communicated with
Valued for their contribution

Simple things like checking in, acknowledging good work, and providing clear expectations go a long way in improving retention.

Culture matters - even in fast-paced, operational environments.

4. Pay Fairly and Be Transparent

While money isn’t the only factor, it still matters.

Workers expect:

Competitive pay
Clear information about rates and hours
No surprises on payday

Transparency builds trust. Businesses that are upfront about pay, conditions, and expectations attract stronger candidates - and keep them longer.

5. Reduce Burnout by Managing Workload

Burnout is one of the biggest reasons workers leave.

When teams are stretched thin, morale drops and turnover increases. Having the right number of people on the job makes a huge difference.

Using flexible workforce solutions allows businesses to:

Bring in extra help during busy periods
Reduce pressure on permanent staff
Maintain productivity without overworking teams

A sustainable workload leads to better performance and higher retention.

6. Use Smarter Hiring Models

Traditional hiring doesn’t always suit today’s market.

In 2026, more businesses are using flexible hiring models to attract and retain great workers - including labour hire and contract-based solutions.

These models allow businesses to:

Trial workers before making permanent offers
Offer flexibility without long-term risk
Adapt quickly to changing demand

It’s a smarter way to build strong, reliable teams.

‍

7. Partner With Workforce Experts

Hiring and retention take time, effort, and expertise.

Partnering with a workforce specialist means:

Faster access to job-ready workers
Reduced hiring and compliance risk
Ongoing support when needs change

Instead of constantly reacting to staffing issues, businesses can take a more proactive, strategic approach.

‍

What This Means for NZ Businesses in 2026

Attracting and keeping great workers in 2026 isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing things smarter.

Businesses that prioritise speed, flexibility, communication, and workforce wellbeing will stand out in a competitive market.

Those that adapt will not only find better workers — they’ll keep them.

‍

Need Help Building a Stronger Workforce?

If you’re finding it harder to attract or retain staff, you’re not alone.

The Hirestaff team works with NZ businesses to provide flexible, reliable workforce solutions that help attract great workers - and keep them.

Get in touch to see how we can support your hiring needs in 2026 and beyond.

‍