Fewer Kiwis are working from home but the appetite for it remains strong, according to new research.

InternetNZ’s latest annual Internet Insights survey found nearly half of New Zealanders who can work from home would like to do it more. Yet the actual number of people working remotely dropped from 46% in 2023 to 38% in 2024.

Working from home became mainstream during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

InternetNZ CEO Vivien Maidaborn, pictured above, explains: “Over half of the New Zealand workforce have the technology to work from home, thanks to the internet. The changes made out of necessity during the pandemic are still deeply embedded for many of us as a workforce.”

While employers are reconsidering WFH arrangements and are modifying their policies, employees are still keen to work remotely.

So, why has that figure dropped eight percentage points?

Why are more people back in the office?

The survey reveals the most common reason people don’t work more from home is the requirement to work in the office for a certain number of days. Other factors include the need for face-to-face meetings and employer attitudes.

“The new trend away from working from home so much, coupled with the persistent desire for options, will affect organisations,” says Maidaborn.

A separate study from NZ recruitment firm Cultivate found that Kiwi workers value flexible working. Nearly half would consider quitting their jobs if these options were reduced.

Flexibility remains a top priority – InternetNZ survey respondents were also willing to relocate if they could keep their current job.

Among those working from home, 46% would consider moving. Meanwhile, 52% have jobs that can be done remotely.

The annual Internet Insights research covers topics including internet use, concerns, online safety and AI.

The full survey results can be found on the InternetNZ website.