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A closer look at the stats reveals that employers and workers may not be on the same page when it comes to workplace must-haves.
New research by recruitment agency Robert Half has revealed poor pay is the most significant deterrent for skilled workers at Australian businesses.
In a time when housing affordability and living costs are putting Australian households under immense financial strain, it’s perhaps unsurprising that 30 per cent of all workers surveyed named inadequate salaries as the most significant reason why their company is struggling to attract top talent.
But this concern seems to have slipped under the radar for employers, who listed it as the least significant factor, contributing to recruitment struggles.
Instead, employers pointed to limited opportunities for career progression (30 per cent) and lack of flexibility (26 per cent) as the major reasons for their business’s failure to attract skilled workers.
Despite some misunderstandings, it’s clear that Australian businesses and workers alike are worried about their ability to attract skilled employees.
Almost nine in 10 Australian employers expressed concern about their company’s ability to attract top talent in 2024.
Meanwhile, seven in 10 Australian workers have the same fear about staffing at their firm.
Nicole Gorton, director at Robert Half, noted that the failure to attract the best workers could spell danger for Australian businesses.
“Concerns about drawing in top-notch talent have long been at the crux of employers’ worries, particularly after the most volatile five years in recent employment history,” said Gorton.
“Having high-calibre professionals in a workforce can be the difference between propelling a company forward or just meeting the needs of the business, which is why employers should prioritise their ability to grab the attention of talented professionals.”
For employers who bury their heads in the sand, the inability to attract top talent could remain a concern – but businesses who make changes could get a leg-up over the competition.
Gorton stated: “Companies who actively address the concerns of workers in relation to salary, work/life harmony and career progression will hold the trump card when it comes to attracting top talent and gaining their loyalty.
“By identifying the root causes of attraction difficulties and crafting a compelling value proposition, leaders can effectively communicate their company’s unique offerings to both employees and prospective talent.”
Regardless of the recruitment challenges faced by companies, Gorton warned workers not to be complacent.
“Despite demand, workers would be misguided to think they hold the cards in the current market,” she said.
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