Women of the West End of Year Newsletter

We also welcomed our charity partner, The Australian Skin Cancer Foundation. Many of us were moved by Jay's story of survival and it was fantastic to be able to raise some much-needed funds for the foundation during our live event.

The Australian Skin Cancer Foundation’s documentary “Jays Mission Melanoma Walk” was aired on Channel 10 earlier this year – you can still catch it on 10play if you missed out, it is worth a watch! If you would like to be involved or donate in any way to the foundation, you can get in touch via their website. https://www.australianskincancerfoundation.org/

This year has been a busy one, as we continue to deal with the "Covid Hangover" and navigate hybrid working arrangements, transitioning back to the office, and economic challenges that we face in both business and in our personal lives.

I would say thank you to all that have been a part of our wonderful Women (and men) of the West group throughout the year. Our speakers, our webinar attendees, our members who have contributed to our newsletters and those that attended our live event, this little network wouldn’t be what it is today without all of you.

HR wrap up from Ashlee Bruce

People Culture and Performance Executive | LSI & GSI Accredited

As we bid farewell to 2023, a year marked by dynamic shifts in the workforce, job market, and economic landscape, it's crucial to reflect on the challenges and transformations that have shaped the professional landscape. In many ways, the echoes of the initial waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, almost three years ago, are still impacting on how we do business.

The year unfolded as a period of business rebase lining, with organisations recalibrating their strategies and employees and candidates redefining their preferences in the evolving market. Financially, 2023 presented significant challenges for both Australians and businesses alike, as the cost of living soared to unprecedented levels. The pressure to deliver results in such a high-stakes environment intensified, creating an atmosphere where resources crucial for driving success might be withheld in pursuit of cost savings, initiating a challenging cycle for businesses.

This financial stringent saw a surge in redundancies. In the previous years, businesses had been willing to pay a premium for top-tier candidates in a job market that favoured them. Fast forward to 2023, and economic impacts necessitated tightening purse strings, leading to a spike in organisational restructures, particularly in the latter part of the year. Conversations with those directly affected revealed a common sentiment – that these decisions seemed like knee-jerk reactions driven by the desire for improved financial outcomes.

The debate around the return to physical offices, and what hybrid working looks like dominated discussions throughout the year. Articles circulated, advocating for both the continuation of hybrid working and the perceived productivity benefits of being in the office. This created misalignment between some organisational expectations and the desires of team members and candidates. This misalignment, coupled with the pressure to perform, proved to be an unnecessary distraction from the core responsibilities of the job. As we transition into the new year, the conversation around remote work versus office presence is likely to persist, influencing hiring decisions and impacting the satisfaction of employees.

For candidates navigating this complex landscape, the challenges extended beyond workplace structure to include role misalignments and ambiguous interpretations of flexibility. The term "flexibility" became a source of confusion, with differing expectations between employers and candidates. This lack of clarity hindered successful job matches and further complicated the professional journey.

As we look forward to 2024, it is imperative for employees and candidates to define their non-negotiables. Whether it is hybrid working arrangements, a specific salary, or industry preferences, understanding these preferences and being patient is key. The market may not see significant changes in the short term, and the pressure on businesses to perform is likely to persist. However, individuals hold the power to shape their career narratives. Knowing your non-negotiables and understanding where flexibility is possible will contribute to making informed, long-term career decisions that foster happiness and satisfaction in the workplace.

Businesses, too, must engage in meticulous planning. The world has undergone transformational changes, and so have team members and their expectations. Aligning decisions with mission and vision is paramount. Every strategic move made by businesses should be anchored to a clear understanding of their purpose, ensuring a cohesive and adaptive approach to the evolving professional landscape. 

Festive recipe

Final Note   

Whilst Christmas can be a wonderful time of the year for many, for others Christmas can be a lonely and challenging time. If you or anyone you know are finding the Christmas season difficult, we encourage you to navigate to the Black Dog Institute website for some incredible resources or call Lifeline on 13 11 14, available 24/7.

On behalf of the whole Veritas Recruitment family, we thank you for your support and wish you and your family an incredibly happy healthy and safe festive season.

We very much look forward to partnering with you in 2024!

Keryn Drew
Associate Director

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