Flex Able Jobs: ANZ site offers flexible work

ANZ has become the first company in Australia to earn certification as a flexible employer.

Robert Half Asia Pacific senior managing partner David Jonessays IT security is critical.

ANZ has become the first company in Australia to earn certification as a flexible employer via online jobs board Flex Able Jobs, which is aimed at professionals looking for flexible conditions.

The site is being used by certified employers and subscribers including BP and Integrated Financial Solutions.

It has been set up by Debbie Phillips and Christina Smerdon .

Phillips says an increasing number of professional men and women want to work flexibly but often find themselves sacrificing seniority, responsibilities or pay.

“Research shows employers can save up to a third of an employee’s salary by offering flexible work and access top talent that would otherwise be out of their reach,” Phillips says.

“Existing job-search models require jobseekers to search, apply for and even accept positions before they dare discuss flexibility in the role.”

Phillips says flexibility leads to lower stress levels, increased quality of life, better staff engagement, productivity gains and potential savings.

Cyber threat

More than a quarter of chief financial officers in a Robert Half recruitment study cited information technology security as their most pressing concern, ahead of the economy, skills shortages or regulatory and compliance changes.

Robert Half Asia Pacific senior managing partner David Jones says IT security is critical to the success of every business.

The survey found only 50 per cent of companies were using security software and 44 per cent were using password management systems.

“Larger companies have increasingly invested in cyber security measures, and this has encouraged cyber attackers to cast their gaze at more vulnerable entities,” Jones says.

“This further highlights the need for small and medium businesses, which have become an increasingly attractive target for hackers, to invest in the necessary IT security tools and specialised IT talent.”

Skills shortage

A growing shortage of specialist financial services skill will fuel an increase in rates and remuneration this year, according to financial recruitment agency Marks Sattin. The skills shortage means employers will need to be more proactive about how they attract and engage top talent.

Marks Sattin director Ieuan Williams says a survey of more than 1300 Australian finance, accounting, insurance and wealth management professionals has found there will be additional challenges for employers this year, with in-demand talent holding out for the right opportunities.

“As we move into a candidate-driven market, employers should be looking to set themselves apart by executing workforce engagement strategies that attract and retain top talent,” Williams says.

The survey identified fund accountants, unit pricing professionals, claims specialists, investment operations staff and para planners as the role most in demand.

Women surveyed

The federal government’s Women in Global Business initiative is undertaking a survey with the University of Melbourne to allow it to better shape policy and programs to help Australian businesswomen access global markets.

The responses will be used to influence services the government will offer to support female-led businesses to grow internationally.

The survey can be completed in multiple sessions on any device. All responses are anonymous and not shared with other organisations. Details: www.wigb.gov.au