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Focus on the positives
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S A M A R K E T
By Anthony Whyte, Vice-Chair - APSCo Australia, General Manager - Talent International
We all now know that COVID-19 is a destructive virus that has changed the world forever, and whilst it is easy to focus on the negatives, we've seen many positive outcomes arise from this period, writes Anthony Whyte.
COVID-19 has brought to the fore businesses that are robust; businesses that are change advocates; businesses that have leaders who have acted with speed and authority; businesses that walk the walk and have done everything in their power to look after their most vital asset, their ‘staff’; and finally, leaders who have pivoted, some due to self-preservation but others who have seen opportunity to reinvent themselves and their businesses to ensure survival.
Operating in a smaller state that doesn’t see huge variances between its highs and lows has provided me with a strong insight into how most industry sectors have behaved during 2020. Both State and Federal Government departments have been proactive in maintaining staffing levels, with many increasing their head count, especially those involved in the Health and Emergency Services sectors.
The defence sector is also well and truly alive, and we are seeing improved hiring demand in recent months. Lot Fourteen (our Technology and Innovation Hub) also continues to go from strength to strength and now includes recent additions in the Cyber and Space sectors. We are all looking forward to seeing these sectors flourish in the years to come.
2021 will continue to offer up many challenges on both the home and business fronts, so it is important to remain focused, have a plan, prioritise what is important to you, and not be afraid to reach out for help if you are struggling. If there is one thing I know to be true, it is that you are not in this alone.
Some additional observations:
Tech touches all our lives daily and some people say it is now close to recession proof, hence a great industry to be working in during a pandemic.
Contracting opportunities continue to dominate permanent positions as they allow vital flexibility to both candidates and clients.
Hybrid working models are here to stay whether you like it or not. ZOOM, MS Teams, Skype have their place BUT nothing can replace face-toface meetings.
Our employees are our most vital assets, so we must look after them and be very cognisant of mental health issues.
Have the JobKeeper and JobSeeker initiatives created a false economy? We are about to find out.
