As businesses across Australia continue to face fierce competition for talent with unemployment rates hovering at a low 3.6 per cent[1], a surprising new study has revealed that more than 20 per cent of Australians have experienced a shift in their work attitudes and behaviours. While the pandemic has brought about popular hybrid working arrangements, this study suggests that some workers may be struggling to adapt to the new normal, and simply slacking off at work.
Immigration assistance and information platform Immigration to Australia commissioned a survey of an independent panel of 1002 Australians to assess the post-pandemic productivity of Australian employees. The survey also investigated whether the return of 195,000 immigrants returning to our shores will motivate Australians to work harder as a result of increased job competition.
Almost four in five (77%) of Australians surveyed had no intention of increasing their work ethic in their current role, despite the heightened competition due to increased immigration numbers.
Younger generations are slacking off at work and don’t plan on changing.
Immigration to Australia’s research revealed that 32 per cent of respondents aged 18-30 admitted to developing a more relaxed work attitude during times of low unemployment. While 15 per cent of the same age group is determined to maintain a relaxed work attitude, irrespective of heightened job competition arising from the return of overseas workers to the country.
Older Australians are putting in the hard yards.
By contrast, Australian workers aged over 55 exhibit unwavering dedication to their jobs, with 89 per cent of respondents maintaining their commitment to their roles without succumbing to a more relaxed work attitude.
Of the over 55 respondents 77 per cent strongly believe they have maintained a high work ethic in the past year only 3 per cent admitted to putting less effort into their work and only 2 per cent admitted to taking an hour off here and there when working from home.
Alon Rajic, Founder and Managing Director of Immigration to Australia, says: “It is interesting to see the number of young Australians unconcerned about the job competition, particularly when faced with the challenges of rising living costs. However, to enhance productivity, invigorate Australian businesses, and foster healthy competition, it is essential for everyone to strive towards pre-pandemic production levels. This becomes increasingly important as competition for roles is increasing in line with increased migrant worker numbers.”
West Australians are most prepared to do what it takes to keep their jobs.
Although the survey showed the majority of West Australians are most prepared to work harder (30%) in the face of increased competition for roles returning to Australia, followed by 25 per cent of Victorians and 23 per cent of NSW residents.
While 62 per cent of respondents nationally believe they have maintained a solid work ethic, Queenslanders were most likely to continue with their relaxed attitude to work, no matter the outcome (17%), followed closely by South Australia (16%), NSW (15%), Victoria (14%) and Western Australia (12%).
“The shift in work arrangements could be a catalyst to consider a four-day work week, which could potentially help address the productivity challenges arising from reduced motivation and potentially enhance work-life balance for individuals in Australia,” says Alon.
The full results, with age and State breakdowns, can be found here: https://immigration2australia.com/will-higher-immigration-numbers-increase-competitiveness-in-the-workforce/