The latest research from HR and payroll solutions provider ADP reveals that despite ongoing apprehensions about AI and cost-of-living and other concerns, eight in 10 Australians still report being quite or very optimistic about work over the next five years, influenced by workplace factors such as job security, career satisfaction and professional growth.
ADP’s latest People at Work research also revealed Australians working in IT and telecoms (96 per cent) construction (8 per cent) and finance (83 per cent) have the most optimistic outlook on their careers.
On the other hand, many employees are concerned about their employers’ lack of focus on the development of career and skill set opportunities, with 40 per cent in transport, 48 per cent in media and information and 50 per cent in retail or trade expressing less optimism than the other industries surveyed.
Kylie Baullo, ADP Managing Director ANZ, emphasised the adaptability of Australian workers amidst evolving workplace and macroeconomic trends.
“Australians are an overwhelmingly resilient bunch,” Baullo said. “Despite the increasing pressures of the cost of living and the widely reported concerns around AI replacing workers and wage discrepancies, our research shows that Australians are positive about the future of work. That said, businesses must keep this sentiment alive, especially in light of these concerns.
“Employers should continue prioritising supporting and freeing their HR teams from administrative activities to focus on important strategies, such as employee engagement,” Baullo added. “One option is to outsource back-end functions, such as payroll, to third-party experts.”
The report also shed light on other factors spurring optimism in the workplace, with increased flexibility being the primary factor for most Australians. In fact, 84 per cent of Australians who regularly work from home across all industries report feel positive overall about the future of their roles for the next five years.
“Flexible working arrangements continue to improve Australians’ hopes for their careers but aren’t the sole solution to employees’ sense of optimism,” Baullo said. “Continuing to reward achievements, addressing mental health concerns, upskilling training programs, and promoting open communication are all essential elements for creating a supportive workplace culture and in turn, creating employee optimism.
As Australian businesses navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, ADP says that prioritising employee wellbeing and fostering a culture of optimism are critical.
“Innovation can also play a key role,” Baullo pointed out. “By leveraging solutions that automate tasks, such as payroll administration, managers can devote more time to supporting and collaborating with their teams.”
