Hybrid working and flexibility are key in the new world of work

In early 2020, Covid-19 accelerated shifts in working practices. Now, three years on, workplaces and workforces have changed dramatically.

Currently the unemployment rate is low, and it is extremely hard for businesses to find the skilled talent they need to fill the roles they have available. Spring Professional with their parent company The Adecco Group, completed a study of Australian workers, to uncover insights into working practices, behaviours, and attitudes. Here is what we have learnt.

What are Australian workers are saying?

Overall, Australian workers are happier compared to all other countries, however they are considering if they can find a better job elsewhere. As businesses are now adapting to the changing demands of their workforce, it is important to keep in mind that moving forward, an individual approach to employee needs is becoming the new normal.

Hybrid working is the new normal

Companies must embrace the fact that “one size will not fit all” when addressing employee needs as each worker will have different requirements. People want to go back to the office on their own terms and half of them are anxious about returning. This style of hybrid working is now the new normal and up to 53% of those surveyed want to work remotely.

Demand for a shorter work week

Productivity has passed the test and many things have improved for workers since last year, particularly their digital skills, their ability to care for others and their work/life balance. They are better time managers and feel more trusted to get the job done.

Flexibility is the new standard. Australian workers don’t want to give up the flexibility they have gained, and more than three quarters want to retain flexibility over their own schedule. We are beginning to see workers calling for a shorter work week, with more than half of workers stating they would be able to do the same work in less than 40 hours.

This means businesses need to assess their culture and consider moving from an hours to an outcome-based process. However, this is expected to be a learning curve for companies and leaders as they struggle with performance management based on results.

The world of work is changing and as one of Australia’s largest workforce solutions companies, Spring Professional is here to help. To get further insights into the way businesses need to move forward with their talent sourcing, please download our 2022 salary guide here.