New Zealand's employers have received a passing report card, ranking higher than their contemporaries in Australia, the US, and the UK, according to the latest survey results from global workforce solutions leader, Kelly Services.

Asked to rate their bosses based on their performance, New Zealand's employees delivered an average score of 6.7 out of 10, and a ranking of 11 out of the 30 countries included in the survey. United States is ranked 12th, and Australia 13th. United Kingdom bosses are ranked 19th, with a score of 6.4 out of 10.

The findings are part of the Kelly Global Workforce Index, which obtained the views of approximately 97,000 people in 30 countries, including more than 1,800 in New Zealand.

Over half (52 percent) of Kiwi employees felt that their efforts at work were recognised and rewarded - sharing the 6th equal ranking with the U.S. and Canada. Australia and the U.K. are rated 14th and 16th respectively.

Almost half (46 percent) of New Zealand employees believed their boss has done a good job preparing them for future success - ranking New Zealand in the top five countries. Only 39 percent of British respondents felt their boss had done a good job, compared to the 46 percent who felt that they had not done a good job; 15 percent were uncertain.

Almost two-thirds (61 percent) of New Zealand employees surveyed would be "highly likely" to recommend their current employer to a friend or acquaintance. Just over half (57 percent) of Australian respondents would be willing to do so, followed by the U.S., with 54 percent.

"Employees' views of an organisation and employer carry a lot of credibility, and send a clear signal about how people are managed and the best places to work," says Kelly Services managing director Debbie Grenfell. "They have a significant impact on the ability of a business to attract and retain talent.

"This survey shows that New Zealand workplaces and employers compare favourably to other countries that have traditionally been viewed as alternative employment opportunities for Kiwis."

Results of the survey in New Zealand show:

The most important quality in a good boss is leadership style, nominated by 29 percent, slightly ahead of communication style (25 percent), and vision and clear direction (20 percent).

Almost half of respondents (43 percent) describe their organisation's leadership culture as either "empowering" or "inclusive". A total of 32 percent describe it as "authoritative" or "oppressive".

Slightly more than half (52 percent) indicate that their efforts at work are recognised and rewarded.

Among those respondents who say they feel rewarded and recognised for their work, almost three-quarters (71 percent) say this takes the form of being "noticed by management", while 16 percent receive bonuses or incentives, and 11 percent are acknowledged through formal programs.

"Employers are under intense scrutiny from a range of stakeholders, and employees are increasingly making judgments about their effectiveness, and how they rate as desirable places to work," Ms Grenfell concludes.

For more information about these survey results and other key global findings, please visit the Kelly Global Workforce Index.