The findings from a study that tracks the current salaries and what is most important to construction professionals across Australia and New Zealand, has just been released.
The Frontline Feel Good Index and Salary Guide provides insights into how construction employers can attract and retain talent in today’s climate. Candidates in the construction sector have rated ‘the ability to act autonomously and make decisions as the most important factor when it comes to feeling good at work. The second ‘feel good’ factor is ‘the tasks that I am asked to do in my job’, followed by ‘being able to collaborate and have input.’
The research also reveals that career progression has never been more important with construction candidates ranking it more important than perks or benefits. In order to attract and retain staff, employers need to aid them throughout their career journey, by understanding their needs and ambitions. Candidates are not just looking for a job to pay their bills, but they’re looking to be supported and valued so that they can upskill and develop their skills.
Melissa Moseley, General Manager of Frontline Recruitment Group comments: “Our data tells us what is really happening in the construction recruitment market. We’ve seen that the market across Australia and New Zealand has continued to be short in candidates, but big in opportunities. Skills shortages are driving up wages, especially in remote areas.
“With the demand for skilled construction workers outweighing supply, candidates can be more selective towards the next step in their career. Pre Covid-19, people were more open to opportunities. However, following the lockdowns last year, attitudes to work have changed. This is combined with big shifts in the make-up of our labour market. A large amount of skilled international workers have returned overseas and the influx of skilled migrants has come to a halt. Employees are reluctant to move roles and what they value has changed. Currently, the construction industry employs 1,160,000 people in Australia and 173,800 in New Zealand.
“Despite the challenges from COVID-19, we are optimistic about the future across Australia and New Zealand, as we recognise the skill shortages and how to fill them. With major shifts in how people live and work, it is a perfect time to re-set and renew what’s important to us – people. Our new brand reflects our human centric approach which is more important now than ever. What we’re seeing is a continued increase in placement success through active recruitment.
“At the same time, we’ve seen job boards and other methods becoming less effective, with employers and candidates alike no longer relying on them for successful placement. For our community, it’s strong evidence that there’s no replacement for human connection to find the right people.”