Bonuses and benefits to attract and keep IT staff is prevalent in New Zealand with about 28 per cent of professionals getting cash rewards.
In a survey conducted across 3200 professionals by Candle, an IT recruitment agency, a quarter revealed that they received an average cash bonus of $11,700 with the highest single recipient reaping $195,000.
According to data drawn from the Candle survey, there is a gender disparity bonus packages, with men averaging $1,300 more than women colleagues. The average bonus is $11,900 and $10,600 respectively. Similar research in Australia showed the gap was almost triple at about $3,500 ($AUD 3,000) in favour of the male pay packet.
Among the largest bonus revealed by the survey was $195,000 received by an Auckland-based regional sales executive. The lowest included $500 by a senior systems administrator, also working in Auckland.
Auckland paid the best average bonus of $12,200. Project managers and team leaders were more likely to receive a commission, outside of management positions.
Candle CEO, Kym Quick, said despite unemployment increasing from 6.2 per cent in the March quarter to 6.4 per cent in the June quarter, and the general job market favouring hirers over candidates, inducements remain popular to snare and keep top candidates.
“The New Zealand tech scene is producing some outstanding results particularly in development and in start-ups so it’s no surprise we’re seeing some heavy weight bonus payments.
"Contrary to Australia, job advertising in New Zealand has been increasing in the last four months driven by strong growth, mainly in white collar roles, in Auckland and Wellington.
“It’s encouraging to see business confidence is continuing to grow which will have a positive flow on effect to candidate confidence. Strong inducements remain key to attracting good people but equally they’re being used to retain high performers and those who have skills that are in shortage,” said Quick.