Do you currently have a vacancy in your team that you are trying to fill? 

While the phrase ‘war for talent‘, coined in 1997, is commonly used to describe trends in HR as a result of demographic shifts, in regional Australia, I think ‘people drought’ is more apt. 

In many cases, talent is out of the question. Just someone upright and breathing would be a blessing.

The Institute of Public Affairs research report in September 2023 on the unprecedented worker shortage crisis in Australia confirms:

• Job vacancies have increased by 235 per cent between May 2020 and May 2023
• One in four Australian businesses cannot find enough workers
• Regional Australia is disproportionately impacted with regional Western Australia and Queensland most severely affected by worker shortages.

Which confirms finding treasure in recruitment processes to fill gaps in your team is highly unlikely.

Turn your attention inward and start polishing the gems in your patch that may appear dusty and rugged, but with expert polishing will start to shine. 

Building leadership capability in your people is an investment that pays dividends.

What will your investment be this year?