New information from the World Employment Confederation (WEC) illuminates this worldwide trend, showing that New Zealand and Australia are completely on board with flexible work patterns.
The survey conducted by WEC, encompassing 715 senior executives worldwide, resonates strongly with the sentiments echoed by the Peak Body for Recruitment, Consulting, and Staffing (RCSA) in Australia and New Zealand.
A staggering 92% of respondents globally foresee the need for a more flexible workforce in the next two years to navigate labour market gaps and accommodate the ever-evolving demands of the industry. Notably, 80% of Australian and a resounding 100% of New Zealand executives concur with this projection.
“We are not outliers,” RCSA CEO Charles Cameron said, underscoring the importance of the findings. His main point is that the problems with finding and keeping a job are not exclusive to Australia or any other portion of the world.
Employers and employees alike now have different expectations due to the post-pandemic boom in demand for flexibility and the rise of AI and hybrid work technology.
The WEC’s findings reveal a compelling narrative of adaptation and evolution in response to the disruptions brought forth by AI and technological advancements.
With 81% of senior executives acknowledging the imperative to revamp skills and resources considering these changes, the call for flexibility becomes even more pronounced.
The utilisation of agency workers emerges as a strategic response, with 88% of respondents expressing their intent to increase engagement with such workers.
Moreover, the data underscores a shift in employee priorities, with 75% of Australian and 70% of New Zealand executives attesting to the growing importance of flexibility in work arrangements.
This sentiment is mirrored in the strategy to address talent shortages, which emphasises supporting underemployed sectors of the workforce.
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As Australia and New Zealand embark on this journey of transformation in the world of work, it becomes evident that they are not merely observers but active participants in a global paradigm shift.
The unveiling of Chapters 1 and 2 of the WEC’s “The Work We Want” campaign serves as a testament to this shared trajectory, with the promise of further insights in the imminent release of the third and final wave of research.
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
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