Market Trends

Current labour shortages are driven by many factors and three of the key contributors are:

  1. a disproportionate size of the baby boom generation,

  2. increased longevity and

  3. declining birth rates.

The result is an increasing gap between labour supply and demand.

To learn more please read The ageing workforce? Separating fact from hype by James Doughney, Victoria University. 

Australian Bureau of Statistics** data from 2006 shows over 350,000 women at home would like to either work full-time, or work more hours than they currently do.

Current research undertaken by NCVER* (National Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation Program) has identified that up to 70% of retirees want to re-enter the workforce. Their main barrier is negotiating flexible work arrangements that allow them to:

  • Balance their other priorities, including travel;
  • Caring for family members; and
  • The desire to maintain a certain lifestyle.

Older workers are typically reliable, experienced in their chosen field and are pleased to mentor or train younger staff.

*Department of Health and Aged Care "Population Ageing in the Australian Economy", Access Economics (2001)
** Work Flexibility gives firms an advantage - Workplace info 24/9/07