Adzuna’s job index on rise; work safety; Qantas tops employer rankings

Adzuna’s job index for April shows the number of positions advertised across Australia is up 6.58 per cent.

Raife Watson, chief executive of Adzuna Australia.

Adzuna’s job index for April shows the number of positions advertised across Australia is up 6.58 per cent on the number of vacancies six months previously.

The index also shows competition for jobs increasing to 6.3 jobseekers per vacancy from 5.93 six months ago. Advertised salaries are decreasing after being stagnant in April last year.

Adzuna chief executive Raife Watson predicts the healthcare industry will be the biggest hirer during the next two decades, with wage growth in the industry increasing by 3.54 per cent and growing demands from the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

“Over the next decade one in three Australians will be over 55 years of age. This will put pressure on the healthcare system and our workforce will need to grow to cope with the demand,” Watson says.

“Roles in the healthcare sector are also less likely to be replaced by automation, as they require high levels of critical thinking and emotional intelligence.”

WHERE IT HURTS

University of South Australia research estimates that accidents leading to work injuries cost $57 billion a year in Australia.

Lead researcher Amy Zadow says the reporting of workplace injuries is a bit like an iceberg — there is a lot going on underneath that is not reported.

“Despite equal numbers of physical and psychological work injuries, there is a greater unreported psychological harm,” Zadow says.

The survey found employees in work units with poor climates for psychological health had more work injuries and were less likely to report them.

“Research across Australia and Malaysia shows that the psychosocial safety climate in organisations is typically lower than physical safety climate, indicating a lack of priority given to workplace psychological health,” she says.

Zadow is calling for workplaces to protect and nurture the psychological health of their workers.

FLYING HIGHEST

Qantas has been named Australia’s most attractive employer in Randstad’s annual workplace awards, followed by the Victorian government and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation coming in third.

Aviation takes the title for most attractive industry thanks to its financial stability, reputation and travel opportunities, with the technology sector, mining and natural resources, state and federal government and media following.

Randstad chief executive Frank Ribuot says Qantas was rewarded for its innovation and work-life balance, reflecting good conditions in the aviation industry after Virgin was rated first by employees last year.

QUEST FOR SUCCESS

Adobe will host its annual digital marketing symposium at the Sydney Opera House next week, featuring Qantas group brand and marketing executive manager Stephanie Tully, Western Sydney University vice-president Angelo Kourtis, ANZ Bank’s digital banking group executive Maile Carnegie and comedian Eric Bana.

The symposium, which runs Tuesday and Wednesday, aims to explain the strategies that underpin success, allow people to network with peers and industry leaders, and teach people how to deliver personalised marketing campaigns.

Adobe’s Donna Morris says delivering exceptional customer experiences is the competitive differentiator for businesses.

“We recognise that great customer experiences start with our employees because engaged employees will invest in providing quality experiences,” Morris says.

For more information, visit symposium.adobe.com/au