At the time of writing this blog, and in news to absolutely nobody, it's tough out there for many Kiwi businesses.

The press is full of mildly depressing stories related to the sad state of the economy. There's an increasingly high volume of ‘Open to work’ banners popping up on LinkedIn. As a consequence of months of reduced levels of business/sales/profit across Aotearoa, it’s not surprising that budgets for the perceived ‘extras’ in business are tight. Every dollar counts. But here’s the thing. While we wait for the inevitable upward, positive shift (and we know it’s coming! ...this is just part of the cycle) necessity may dictate the purse strings are clutched closely, but—that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be investing time and resources into your people.

Dare I say, it’s more important than ever to do what you can to build a resilient workforce, ready and able to stick with you through thick and thin. So, how do you do that? Let’s break it down.

Vision

Challenging times are precisely when  you need to bust out your very best ‘I am a strong, positive leader’. Leadership, of course, plays a crucial role in steering the ship.

RIGHT NOW this very minute, is the time to circle back to your business's core values and its purpose, and ensure you keep that front and centre for your people. When your employees see that the leader in the business is looking ahead, and keeping the foot on the gas with vision and goals, it builds trust, and reinforces their commitment to the bigger picture. Never stop reminding your team of your shared purpose and how, by sticking together, you can weather any storm.

Wellbeing

You don’t need a fancy programme or a big budget to show your team you care, or to support their wellbeing.  Wiser people than I have already scoffed over the idea of a weekly fruit basket as being the very linchpin of successful talent attraction and great culture—and they’re not wrong!  However here’s a caveat: assuming your business is already decent, the little things DO count in adding a boost to the mood, and general wellbeing.

A morning tea shout because everyone loves a cheese scone and a finger sandwich. A freshly stocked fridge-full of nice juice blends. Checking in regularly. Making sure everyone gets a pat on the back when they deserve it. Regularly acknowledging wins, big or small, because when people feel valued, they’re more likely to stay—and not just stay, but stay committed.

As a leader, consider creating space for one-on-one check-ins where team members can speak openly about their challenges. Be proactive about mental health and offering support, even in a simple form like time off or flexible deadlines, as this is empathetic, and strengthens the bonds within your team.

Learning and Development

I can’t emphasise this enough, unless the cash flow situation is absolutely dire, don’t forgo providing your people with the chance for professional development. Offer them opportunities to learn and grow—whether that’s through online courses, mentorship, or just giving them new challenges to tackle.

When your team sees that you’re invested in their future, they’re more likely to be invested in yours. Leadership can play a pivotal role here by directly involving team members in decision-making processes. Give them projects outside their comfort zone or allow them to lead initiatives. Not only does this develop their skills, but it also reinforces their connection to the company’s success.

Communication

Yes, you know it: communication is key—and especially when business life is that little big harder.  Like many things we know are good for us but that can easily fall by the wayside, communication needs and deserves our focus and attention.

So be open, be honest, and keep everyone in the loop.

When your team knows what’s going on and understands the challenges, they’re more likely to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. And when they feel like they’re part of the solution, they’re far less likely to jump ship. To do this in practice, create regular touchpoints—whether through team meetings, digital updates, or even informal conversations—that allow for open discussion. Use these moments not just to communicate decisions, but to gather feedback. Leadership is about listening as much as it is about speaking. Encourage a two-way flow of information, where your team feels safe to voice concerns or suggestions.

Adaptability

Finally, let’s talk about adaptability. The businesses that survive tough times are the ones that can pivot quickly. Encourage your team to be flexible, to think outside the box, and to embrace change. When people feel empowered to adapt, they’re more engaged, more productive, and—most importantly—more likely to stay put. Lead by example here. Demonstrate your own flexibility and willingness to shift priorities as needed, and to listen to ideas. Empower your team to suggest new ways of working or to experiment with different approaches. Create space for this!

Leadership is the Foundation of Resilience and Retention

Keeping your talented people IN your business, working happily and productively  when budgets are tight isn’t easy, but it’s doable. Focus on building resilience within your team by looking after their wellbeing, investing in their growth, keeping communication open, and fostering a culture of adaptability. Strong leadership during these times should reinforce your business's vision, making it clear that every decision, every challenge, and every victory ties back to this. Do all that, and you’ll not only keep your best people—you’ll come out the other side stronger than ever.

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Want to build a resilient workforce and hold onto your people? If you’re not sure where to start, let’s have a chat. You can reach us on +64 9 300 7224.

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