Despite increased optimism amongst Australian employers, output
is declining in most business sectors and business investment is
falling sharply.
In light of these findings HR experts have urged employers not to
become complacent. Although confidence among Australian employ
ers has risen for the first time after five consecutive quarters of falling
sentiment, the employment landscape remains mutable and the result
should be viewed as a stabilisation in employer confidence rather than
assuming the start of a consistent upward trend.
“Australia may yet face further periods of negative economic
growth,” said Mark Steyn, CEO Hudson A/NZ. “The rate of unemploy
ment, currently at 5.7 per cent, is predicted by economists and gov
ernment alike to rise throughout the remainder of 2009. This is the time
for employers to take a long-term view of the people in their business.
A ‘right people’ strategy, founded on the basics of sound workforce
planning and talent management, is essential.”