- Randstad's Employer Brand Research reveals 2024’s most sought after employers with NSW Department of Communities and Justice, Transport for NSW, and NSW Health all ranking in the top ten
- Annual independent survey of 6,000+ Australians indicates half (51%) of Aussies believe the public sector is an attractive place to work
- Looking more broadly, the report reveals the large majority (88%) of workers haven’t been compensated for inflation, but unfavourable market conditions are stopping people from searching for better pay elsewhere
The annual Randstad Employer Brand Research, an independent survey of over 6,000 Australian workers, reveals the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) as 2024’s most attractive public sector employer, and the third most attractive employer in Australia overall.
Rated highly for long-term job security, career progression, and attractive salaries and benefits, which are important drivers for 56%, 47%, 59% of Australians, respectively, DCJ jumped six places from 2023.
This year, half (51%) of Australian workers identified the public sector as an attractive place to work - up from 48% in 2023 - with government agencies taking four of the top ten spots. This also includes Transport for NSW, and NSW Health, named the second and third most attractive employers in the sector, respectively - and seventh and eighth in Australia overall.
Catherine Carvolth, DCJ Chief People Officer, says the results show DCJ is a trusted employer of choice: “We want to acknowledge the 25,000 staff who make DCJ an engaging and purposeful place to work. We’re determined to maintain our reputation as an attractive employer and strive to make DCJ an even better place to work in the years to come.”
Redundancy fears stopping Aussies searching for better pay
Despite many Australians feeling the cost-of-living pinch as they grapple with higher interest rates, inflation, and underemployment, the report reveals only one in eight (12%) have been compensated for inflation. Two in five (38%) have not received any kind of financial support from their employer over the past two years, with women and older workers (Gen X and Boomers) more likely to fall into this category at 48% and 52%, respectively.
Despite being worse off financially, Aussies are not willing to risk switching roles as ‘first in first out’ concerns loom large. The large majority (67%) state they would not consider searching for better pay elsewhere, with those who haven’t been compensated no more likely to leave their roles compared to their counterparts that have.
Alternatively, one in five Australian workers, which equates to roughly 2.6 million people, are taking on second roles (19%) and increasing their hours with their current employer (18%) to meet rising cost-of-living pressures. This is particularly high amongst Gen Z at 32% and 29%* respectively, signalling a risk of burnout as this generation manages multiple jobs or increased hours in an attempt to improve their financial security.
While there is some movement in the job market with one in four (28%) looking to move roles in the next six months, competition is fierce with an 8.6% increase* in April 2024 in applications per job ad month-on-month advertised by Seek.
Amelia O’Carrigan, Director of Public Sector and Business Support at Randstad comments: “While we know from our research that a decent salary is one of the top motivators for 59% of Aussie workers, it’s not surprising, given daily headlines about redundancies, that Aussies are feeling more risk-averse to jump jobs for better pay.
“For the one in five who are prepared to make a move, it’s important your CV stands out from the crowd. Bear in mind that a lot of businesses are adopting a skills-based hiring approach, focusing less on past experience and more on the skills required to do the job. So, employees must figure out what makes their skill set special and how to best define their personal brand in this context.
“If a move isn’t on the cards, embracing upskilling opportunities to sharpen adaptability, communication, and problem-solving, will set all employees in good stead to embrace new opportunities when the time is right.”
The Randstad Employer Brand Research is available to download HERE.
The full list of top 10 most desirable employers for 2024 is:
- Deloitte
- IAG Australia
- NSW Department of Communities & Justice
- Virgin Australia
- G8 Education
- Australia Post
- Transport for NSW
- NSW Health
- Healthscope
- Queensland Government
The three most attractive public sector employers for 2024 are:
- NSW Department of Communities & Justice
- Transport for NSW
- NSW Health
The full list of top 10 most desirable sectors for 2024 is:
- Construction
- Transport and Logistics
- Human Health and Social Work Activities
- Education
- Public Sector
- Mining and Quarrying
- Retail
- Insurance
- FMCG
- Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
*Randstad Workmonitor surveyed 27,000 workers across 24 markets. Conducted between October 23 and November 11, 2023.
About Randstad
Randstad is the world’s leading talent company and a partner of choice to clients and talent. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities to people from all backgrounds and help them remain relevant in the rapidly changing world of work. We have a deep understanding of the labour market and help our clients to create the high-quality, diverse and agile workforces they need to succeed. Our 40,000+ employees around the world make a positive impact on society by helping people to realise their true potential throughout their working life.
Randstad was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Diemen, the Netherlands. In 2022, in our 39 markets, we helped more than 2 million people find a job that feels good and advised over 230,000 clients on their talent needs. We generated revenue of €27.6 billion. Randstad N.V. is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam. For more information, see www.randstad.com
About the Randstad Employer Brand Research
REBR is the world’s largest independent employer brand study, covering 32 markets, 6084 companies and 173,000 respondents worldwide. In Australia, 6105 Australians gave their feedback on Australia’s 75 largest employers (by workforce size) and an insight into their drivers and preferences when looking for work. The research helps employers optimise their employer brand strategies to ensure they remain attractive and competitive in the battle for talent. To find out more about REBR visit, www.randstad.com.au/employers/employer-brand-research/
