Public sector more attractive to workers than private

Recruitment and HR services company Randstad has released research that identifies which industries and employers Australian workers view favourably.

This year’s Employer Brand Research survey of almost 6000 workers found that almost half (48%) of respondents regard government as the most attractive sector, followed by mining and quarrying (47%) and transport and logistics (45%). Government agencies accounted for six of the top 10 spots, according to the company.

This is a shift from 2022, when record low unemployment rates, a buoyant candidate’s market and lower cost of living saw private companies take out the top employer spots in the annual report.

The government agencies leading the way included the Australian Department of Defence, NSW Health, the Queensland Government and the Australian Government, rated highly for job security, financial health and career progression. Randstad says this reflects a need for workers to feel secure as they grapple with the sting of inflation, a higher cost of living and rising unemployment rates.

Job hopping slows as employees hunker down

Despite unemployment rates remaining comparatively low, the report indicates job hopping is slowing down as we enter a new era. In the past six months, only 16% of Australians have moved jobs, a drop from 21% in the same period last year.

Australians are hunkering down and prioritising career progression instead, with two in three (65%) saying it is important that employers offer upskilling opportunities. This applies especially to men (68% vs 62% for women), the highly educated (74%) and younger employees (83% of 18–24s and 76% of 25–34s).

Fortunately the current reskilling/upskilling offer from Australian employers is in line with employee demand, with only 16% feeling they don’t have sufficient opportunities to develop in their roles.

Without these opportunities, the research suggests employee loyalty will waver, with almost one in three (30%) saying they would quit if they had a limited career path.

“It’s fantastic to see the public sector has gained overall attractiveness, with no less than four organisations in the top five spots! With this being said, the gap between the top 10 sectors is getting smaller and smaller, so the competition is heating up," said Jo Jakobs, Director of NSW, Randstad.

“Creating a strong employer brand, which prioritises career progression, job security and work-life balance, is no longer a nice to have — it’s essential to stand out from your competitors. Otherwise attracting and retaining talent will become increasingly difficult, particularly at a time when pay rises are likely less affordable and workers are increasingly cautious about switching jobs.”

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