Counteroffers have become a widespread retention tactic in today’s hiring market, but questions have been raised about its effectiveness.

The 2026 Robert Half Salary Guide reveals 95 percent of New Zealand employers extended a counteroffer to employees with external job offers in the past year.

Megan Alexander from Robert Half says it's a short-term fix, as a significant percentage of employees still left within 12 months. 

"If you don't really understand the real reasons why the person was looking to leave in the first place and you put the band-aid of extra money on it, then it's a very short-term thing."

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Counteroffers have become a widespread retention tactic in today’s hiring market, but questions have been raised about its effectiveness.
The 2026 Robert Half Salary Guide reveals 95 percent of New Zealand employers extended a counteroffer to employees with external job offers in the past year.
Megan Alexander from Robert Half says it's a short-term fix, as a significant percentage of employees still left within 12 months.&nbsp;
"If you don't really understand the real reasons why the person was looking to leave in the first place and you put the band-aid of extra money on it, then it's a very short-term thing."
LISTEN ABOVE

Best of Business is the home of all things business at Newstalk ZB, from morning market updates right through to incisive interviews with New Zealand’s top business leaders and decision makers. 

Whether you’re a small business owner or interested in what’s going on in the Big End of Town, this podcast encompasses the sharpest voices and minds in the world of business.

Best of Business is the home of all things business at Newstalk ZB, from morning market updates right through to incisive interviews with New Zealand’s top business leaders and decision makers. Whether you’re a small business owner or interested in what’s going on in the Big End of Town, this podcast encompasses the sharpest voices and minds in the world of business.

Best of Business is the home of all things business at Newstalk ZB, from morning market updates right through to incisive interviews with New Zealand’s top business leaders and decision makers.

Best of Business

Megan Alexander: Robert Half New Zealand managing director on the counteroffer conundrum impacting Kiwi businesses

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/8af3a285-69e1-4871-a081-b46b0077c71f/transcript