AHRI Pulse Survey of 760 HR professionals across Australia in late 2021 revealed that the focus for 2022 is well and truly still on wellbeing.
The majority of organisations are requiring vaccination for their staff and employees have responded positively. As part of ensuring health and safety in the workplace, six in ten of HR professionals will consider the vaccination status of job candidates in their hiring decisions. Some organisations have already terminated contracts of unvaccinated staff.
Because of this, most organisations also worry about the skill shortages impacting their organisation. Although some are confident to some degree that they can still hire good talent. As Australia’s borders re-open, almost half of the participating organisations plan to use a mix of international and local talent. Some will employ Australians and upskill them when necessary.
Because the well-being of the workforce is critical, a majority say they will not let unvaccinated staff back into the office unless they have a medical exemption. Employers are also predicting a majority of their staff will take their holidays this 2022. This could be a result of collective consciousness on the importance of rest and time-off.
Nevertheless, most organisations have special measures for unvaccinated employees which include regular Covid testing, an honour system, or remote working.
