AIM reveals Aussie workers’ most popular New Year resolutions

Aussie workers hoping to make the most of 2019 are focusing on three key areas when setting their New Year resolutions.

Upskilling will be the theme of 2019 if Aussie workers stick to their New Year resolutions.

Two in three workers who planned to set resolutions said at least one would focus on learning a new skill, Australian Institute of Management research revealed.

Other popular commitments were to get healthy and exercise more (65 per cent) and find a new job (61 per cent).

AIM chief executive Ben Foote said he was not surprised 67 per cent of Aussies planned to learn a new skill.

“There is massive change going on in the rise of start ups and automation completely changing the labour market,” he said.

“People are starting to realise if they do not upskill, they will be left behind.

“They are deciding to upskill so the rate of change can be a positive rather than a negative.”

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Ben Foote, chief executive of AIM, says upskilling is a smart resolution. Picture: Supplied

Anthony Mitchell, co-founder of management consultancy Bendelta, said learning new skills or strengthening existing skills was a good resolution to set.

“By continuing to invest in your development, you’ll maintain industry relevance and create greater opportunities to innovate,” he said.

“The rise in ‘snackable’, self-directed and digital courses mean that learning can take place any time, anywhere and at your own pace.”

The fact so many people wanted a new job in the new year reinforced trends that workers were becoming increasingly mobile.

Bendelta’s Anthony Mitchell says learning is increasingly accessible. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Mr Foote said job search websites often experienced activity spikes in January.

“It’s by far the most popular time of year, as people look at making a change,” he said.

“There are often plenty of jobs in the market so it’s a relatively good time, however it’s also when most people are looking so there is a bit more competition for that dream job.”

A new study by recruitment company Citrus Group revealed that, after salary, the most common reasons a worker left a role were lack of flexibility (22 per cent), lack of career progression (14 per cent) or bad workplace culture (13 per cent).

The AIM research showed 84 per cent of workers planned to set New Year resolutions in 2019, up from 63 per cent in 2018, although just 11 per cent of those with resolutions this year actually stuck to them.

Mr Foote said the best way to ensure all resolutions were ticked off within the 12-month deadline was to write them down and tell people about them.

“Sharing those commitments with friends and family can make you much more likely to succeed when you start something new,” he said.

“People will remind you of your commitments throughout the year.”

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