The summer holidays are officially over, the office coffee machine is getting a workout again, and across New Zealand’s tech sector, there’s a palpable sense of renewed energy. As IT professionals settle back into their routines, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of cautious optimism.
If you’re reading this while catching up on emails or planning your year ahead, you’re not alone. The return to work after the summer break always brings a mix of anticipation and adjustment.
We take a quick look at what has been happening so far in 2026, the overall sentiment in the job market and the trends you should pay attention to as we head into the new year.
A positive start to the year
The numbers tell an encouraging story in terms of market sentiment and early activity.
We surveyed over 1,000 IT professionals about their expectations for 2026 in our annual IT industry survey and the results painted a picture of measured confidence:
* 42% expect job market conditions to improve
* 39% believe things will stay the same
* Only 18% anticipate conditions worsening
“The good news is that January activity is supporting the 42% with positive expectations. We’re seeing levels of activity in the first few weeks of January that we haven’t experienced since early 2023,” says Richard Vaughan, MD of Younity. “Companies that held off on hiring decisions in Q4 are now moving quickly to secure talent, and our job boards are growing steadily across all our offices.”
The reality behind the optimism
While the overall trajectory looks positive, personal sentiment in the job market remains more nuanced.
Roughly equal portions of the IT workforce describe themselves as “hopeful” (27%), “stressed” (26%), or “neutral” (28%) about their career journey ahead.
“The last two years the job market has probably been the worst it’s ever been for many seasoned professionals, testing our IT workforce’s resilience and confidence in the future of our industry,” says Richard. “It’s no surprise that the overall sentiment is cautiously optimistic rather than recklessly ambitious.”
Making the most of market momentum
Hiring activity is starting to pick up, and it’s worth paying attention to, even if you’re not actively job hunting. With more movement across the job market, it’s smart to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s out there. This isn’t about being opportunistic, it’s about staying informed and being ready for unexpected career opportunities.
Market momentum creates a ripple effect throughout the industry. When companies are actively hiring, salary benchmarks shift, new roles emerge and professional networks become more important. Richard emphasises that staying curious about what’s happening in your industry is key – and that means keeping in touch with former colleagues who often have insights into trends you might not see from where you’re sitting.
Research from LinkedIn’s 2025 Workplace Learning Report shows that 88% of organisations now cite retention as a top concern, which means employers are more willing to invest in their current talent to prevent departures. What does this mean for you? If you’re currently employed, you’re in a stronger position to ask for what you want – whether that’s training, more flexibility in how you work, or a pay rise.
Staying aware of what’s going on in the market doesn’t mean you need to be constantly job searching. Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date with recent wins and skills – opportunities often find people who are visible and engaged in their field. Go to industry events to learn what’s new, engage with professional communities and share ideas. Building these connections pays off whether you end up changing roles or not. After all, the best opportunities often come through professional networks rather than traditional job boards.
Having important conversations with your employer
With 42% of IT professionals expecting the market to improve and companies focusing heavily on retention, employers are more open to discussions about your needs and career development. This creates a unique window to have meaningful conversations about your role.
However, we know that these conversations can be tricky, stressful and hard to navigate, whether you’re asking for a pay rise, training opportunities or better flexibility. Here are a few things that can help:
- Get clear on what you want before the conversation. Is it a specific figure? A particular course or certification? More flexible hours or annual leave? Being specific makes the conversation easier.
- Gather your evidence. Note down your recent achievements, contributions or examples of where you’ve walked the extra mile to deliver. This gives you confidence and helps your manager see your value.
- Pick your timing. Have this conversation when your manager isn’t swamped or stressed, maybe after a successful project delivery or during a regular one on one.
Frame it as a conversation, not a demand. Something like “I’d like to chat to you about my development and how I can continue growing here” opens the door without putting anyone on the defensive.
Professional development and growth opportunities
The way organisations view professional development has changed significantly. According to LinkedIn’s 2025 Workplace Learning Report, learning and development is no longer a nice-to-have perk, it’s becoming key to keep good people from leaving. More organisations are now building ongoing learning into their talent strategy.
When you are reviewing your development opportunities, focus on where your professional growth goals and the company’s priorities align. Rather than simply asking for a training budget, show how sharpening your skills would benefit your performance and help the organisation better achieve its goals.
The most effective development conversations look at multiple pathways for growth. This might include cross-functional projects that broaden your experience, mentorship opportunities within the organisation, or external training that bring new capabilities back to your team.
Career progression and future planning
It’s natural to review your career options and your next career move at the beginning of a year. With the job market gaining a bit of momentum and companies investing more in retaining their staff, professional development opportunities should be on the radar for 2026. Make the most of it.
Start by mapping out your goals.
Before you have any conversations with your manager, get clear on what you want to achieve this year. This might include:
- Developing specific technical skills (cloud, AI, security)
- Leading a significant project or team
- Gaining a certification that opens doors
- Moving into a new area of the business
Once you’ve identified your priorities, break them down into quarterly milestones. This turns aspirations into an actionable plan and gives you something tangible to work towards.
Supporting your wellbeing in 2026
As you’re planning your career goals for the year ahead, don’t overlook an equally important conversation: your wellbeing. Whether it’s flexible working arrangements, mental health support, or better work-life balance, these aren’t unreasonable asks, they’re about creating conditions where you can perform at your best.
What wellbeing support can look like
Depending on your organisation, this might include:
- Remote or hybrid work arrangements that give you flexibility in where you work.
- Flexible hours that accommodate your life outside work – whether that’s school drop-offs, caring responsibilities, or simply working when you’re most productive.
- Mental health support through Employee Assistance Programmes, counselling services, or mental health days.
- Professional development that keeps you engaged and growing (yes, learning and career progression are part of wellbeing too!).
How to have the conversation
When you’re asking for flexibility or wellbeing support, connect it to how it helps you perform at your best. Instead of framing it as personal convenience, show how it enables sustainable, high-quality work.
Moving forward with intention
The IT sector is starting to see a shift and after two challenging years, opportunities are emerging again and we believe that momentum is slowly building.
People who tend to navigate market shifts most successfully are those who’ve thought about their priorities and what they need keep their head in the game. That might mean having a conversation with your manager about development or flexibility. It could be keeping your professional profile current and checking in with your network. Or it might simply be staying informed about what’s happening across the industry.
There’s no single recipe to making the most of 2026. Your career decisions depend on your individual circumstances, goals, and where you are professionally. What’s important is understanding what’s going on in your field and knowing what options are available to you.
Whether you want to explore new opportunities, invest in your current role, or take a measured approach to the year ahead, we’re here to provide insight and support as the market continues to change.
Ready to make 2026 your best professional year yet? Connect with our team at Younity to discuss how current market conditions might align with your career goals.