What is on business’ minds right now?
Citation Group’s latest research offers some insight. The workplace compliance solutions provider has published the results of its latest people management research (“2024, The Future of Work: Insights for Australian Businesses”).
The comprehensive study, which surveyed 300 senior workplace decision-makers across the nation, sought to gain insights into the challenges and priorities shaping Australian workplaces in the year ahead. The study found that:
Businesses have concerns over AI adoption
While 75 per cent of respondents share that their companies are using AI in some way for staff management and operational efficiency, decision-makers express concerns regarding data security and factual accuracy, hinting at cautious adoption and the necessity for clear usage policies.
Employee retention is a top priority
With 58 per cent of surveyed workplaces planning to increase headcount, the report revealed that employee retention as the greatest concern among 51 per cent of Australian senior managers, which it says highlights the challenge organisations face in maintaining their workforce amid a competitive job market.
There is a concerning gap between legislative awareness and compliance
The report found that 47 per cent of senior manager respondents were not aware of the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Act and 65 per cent were not aware of the Closing Loopholes amendments to the Fair Work Act. Meanwhile, 34 per cent have said they are not aware of either legislation and the lack of awareness is more stark in larger companies (those over 5,001 employees) in which 54 per cent said they were not aware of either of these new laws. The report has suggested a requirement for education and proactive adaptation among senior managers.
There is a heightened demand for flexible working arrangements
The report also highlighted a significant shift towards flexible and hybrid work models as flexible and hybrid work arrangements are favoured over traditional remuneration packages. It noted that this shift marks “a transformation in employment offers that cater to work-life balance preferences.”
Legislative changes are impacting casual employment: almost half of the employers anticipate employing fewer casual workers due to the new ‘Closing Loopholes’ legislation, which the report interprets as a substantial shift in casual employment strategies.
Sexual harassment policies are lagging behind awareness
Although there is a highly reported understanding of workplace sexual harassment laws, the implementation of comprehensive policies and protocols is low, with only 48 per cent of the organisations represented having sexual harassment awareness taught as part of their onboarding program.
Skilled migrants are considered essential
An overwhelming 83 per cent of employers view skilled migrant workers as vital to their business success, though awareness of changes affecting migrant workers remains low.
