LOCAL businesses are struggling to find talented workers, inflation is hitting them hard, surging power prices are hurting and data security is now a major worry.
Those were the key findings in the just released Ipswich Executive Outlook published annually by Ipswich’s Top Office Group.
The review is aimed to provide a barometer of local trends and reflects a major survey of local industry executives over the past few months.
The industry leaders were asked to provide both their positives and their negatives for the future growth of their businesses and ideas they wanted to share.
We can’t see any short term fix to the tight market.” “We struggle to match competitor salaries and perks.
Top Office’s Jan Gadsden has been releasing the details of the company’s Outlook to local business leaders for 14 years.
Speaking at Ipswich City Rotary Club’s weekly meeting she said one of the key findings was the rising cost pressures now facing local businesses.
“Those surveyed said goods, services and insurance had risen by 13-40 per cent in just 12 months,” she revealed.
“While costs were a major concern the issue of not being able to find talented staff was also highlighted by most businesses.”
The common theme of comments on this issue included: “The balance has shifted in favour of employees, and they know it …We can’t see any short term fix to the tight market…. We struggle to match competitor salaries and perks.”
Finding candidates for positions such as financial advisors, accountants, skilled trades and hospitality were high on the list of concerns.
Local executives suggested incentives to attract staff include nine day fortnights for office staff, extra personal leave, subsidised health care and gym memberships.
