Experts give insights into how employers could use census data to their benefit
The Census, which is the official count of the population and how the demographic is changing, happens every five years. South Australia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Business SA) believes businesses can use the survey’s data and insights to their advantage.
Boomers vs. millennials
Based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census, the country has as many Millennials (born 1981 and 1996) as Boomers (born 1946 and 1964), with both having a population of 5.4 million people.
“Over the past 10 years, the Millennials have increased from 20.4 percent of the population in 2011 to 21.5 percent in 2021,” the ABS said. “In the same time, Baby Boomers have decreased from 25.4 percent in 2011 to 21.5 percent in 2021.”
The ABS further reported that millennials are of working age and are upskilling, representing 40% of people attending vocational education.
According to Business SA, the data on the generation population meant that most baby boomers are in today’s corporate leadership positions. Their longer duration in the workforce allowed them to work up the ranks.
Inside the workplace, Business SA described Boomers as being “generally accustomed to taking instruction, being influenced by experts, and having a structured learning style.” In contrast, it described Millennials as “wanting to collaborate, learn in different ways and mostly influenced by digital forums.”
“They [Millennials] want to be empowered, not dictated to,” Business SA said. “So this impacts the leadership approach within your business.”
Business SA said that given the culturally diverse nation, employees, clients, suppliers, and stakeholders would also “mirror the diversity.” Thus, awareness and inclusivity is the new style in the workplace.
Data on Australians’ health
As to the health conditions of Australians, the ABS reported that over two million people have at least long-term health conditions such as mental health, arthritis, or asthma.
Most males commonly reported asthma and mental health conditions as their long-term health conditions, while females had reported arthritis and mental health conditions, according to ABS.
Given the large population of individuals suffering from long-term health conditions, Business SA said businesses should be “more flexible and emphatic” towards their employees.
“If the global pandemic taught us anything, it was that we could be incredibly flexible and empathetic when the going gets tough, so Australia has a solid baseline to work from,” Business SA said.
Workforce shortage
Aside from health matters, there is also an ongoing skills and labour crisis among the country’s businesses, which gives a sort of “power back” to the employees, according to Business SA.
As the peak employer body in South Australia, people do not want “just a job,” the business network said. “They want more than that.”
Business SA reminded employers that potential job seekers are after a purposeful and fulfilling job that makes them “get out of bed even on the most challenging days.”
“Nowadays, it is so much more than the pay, and business owners need to get a handle on this quickly before it is too late,” the group said.
“Employee Value Proposition”
Business SA’s business adviser Tim Lavis recommended that business sectors develop an “Employee Value Proposition” to help them understand what they are trying to offer future employees. The six key areas include:
- Purpose — Why are they doing what they do? How do they make a difference in the world?
- Career development — How will I grow in your business? What development will I receive? What progression is expected and when?
- Well-being — How will my well-being be considered at the workplace? What is in place for support and help if needed? Does the business align with an Employee Assistance Programs partner?
- Workplace environment — What about the work environment makes it attractive?
- Benefits — How flexible will the business be here? What are the perks?
- Contract —This is about the money, days, timings, etc.
According to Business SA, when businesses gain clarity on these six areas, it would be easier to attract and retain the best employees across a range of ages, cultures, and family types.
