Deciding to hire Te whakatau ki te whai kaimahi

If your business is growing and you see opportunities to do even more, it may be time to bring on some extra help. Learn what to consider when deciding to hire, and how to get started.

Is now the right time to hire?

Hiring can be an exciting opportunity. It can be a sign your business is doing well and ready to grow.

The right employee can bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and new skills, as well as easing your workload.

You may be unsure about hiring — that’s understandable. There are a few extra steps to work through, and some new responsibilities.

But as a business owner, you’ve handled similar challenges before. 

Plus, you still have flexibility as an employer.

You can hire the right employee type to suit your business. Consider whether a permanent, fixed-term or casual arrangement will work best.  

deciding to hire overview
tool

Find out how bringing on an employee will affect your budget

Our Employee Cost Calculator estimates the total cost to hire, including some of the less obvious expenses. Try it out before you commit to hiring. 

Employee cost calculator

Register as an employer

Once you’re confident you’re ready to hire, you can get the ball rolling by registering as an employer. 

In most cases, you need to be registered with Inland Revenue before you can hire someone.

That way, you can apply the right deductions for things like tax and KiwiSaver when paying your employees.

To register as an employer, you’ll need to:

  • know a few details about your business
  • fill out a form online or send it by post.

What's next

  • Advertising and hiring

  • Leave and holidays

  • Ending employment

  • Having a fair workplace

  • Resolving employment challenges

  • Leadership and culture

  • Upskilling employees

  • Looking after yourself

  • Looking after your people

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