KEY POINTS:
More flexible working hours would prompt nearly half of Auckland's finance and accounting professionals to consider taking home less pay, says a new recruitment company survey.
Finance and accounting recruitment agency Robert Half has released an Auckland salary guide, based on a survey of more than 1100 people working in the sector.
Survey participants were asked what factors would influence them to accept a lower salary.
Forty -nine per cent said they would consider a lower salary in exchange for flexible working hours. A better work location would influence 44 per cent, 39 per cent said the ability to work from home or extra holidays would also help them take a pay cut.
Organisational factors were less important, but still rated highly. Thirty-seven per cent said they would consider a lower salary for a better organisational culture, 33 per cent for the chance to work with an inspirational leader and 32 per cent for the opportunity for fast-tracked career progression.
Better superannuation contributions would only influence 22 per cent of respondents, with a mere 9 per cent picking flexible sick leave as a factor in accepting a lighter pay packet.
Megan Alexander, senior manager with Robert Half, said the results showed just how important work/life balance was to employees.
"At a time when there is a pronounced skills shortage in finance and accounting, this survey gives employers options for attracting good staff, even if they can't afford higher salaries."
