Techstaff recently polled professionals across the science and technical industries, soliciting information on emerging trends within these disciplines, specific to employment in Australia. The third Business Confidence Survey to be conducted by Techstaff, this year’s results indicated continued improvement around business activity, and projected forecasts that anticipate increases for demand of service and products…
This business confidence appears tentative when considering other key trends which emerged from the data obtained including:
- A strong indication by businesses to stagnate recruitment and workforce planning amidst a volatile economic climate
- Suggestion that wages look to remain unchanged, despite continued feedback that market rates still fail to adequately reflect skills and experience
- An overwhelming belief that global economic conditions are impacting science and technical hiring trends
Respondents did highlight gaps with regard to skills shortages – particularly in acquiring niche skills in QA & QC. This may all go some way to explaining feedback gathered at a recent convention attended by science and technology professionals within the food industry, highlighting skilled technicians are on the move.
Despite the Australian dollar enjoying strength in the market in recent times, people are still struggling to meet increased costs of living and are looking to redeploy their skills in other disciplines, hoping to attract higher salaries and career progression. Over 40 percent of those surveyed indicated they would look to other opportunities within the next year, with nearly half hoping to change roles within the next three months, and a further 19 percent within two years.
Amidst stagnant recruitment drives and an intended freeze on wages, it would appear that in order to minimise the high costs associated with staff turnover, employers may need to turn their attention to the ongoing investment of their employees by way of improved workforce planning, employee skill development, and providing, where possible, avenues for career advancement.
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