Navigating Australia’s Workforce Crisis: Insights and Solutions for Businesses

by | Jul 2, 2024 | Business Growth

As a business owner or manager in Australia, you’re likely aware of the pressing issue we face—the workforce crisis. This crisis is not a fleeting concern; it’s a persistent challenge rooted in structural demographic shifts. Today, we will delve into the core problems driving this crisis, its impact on businesses, and actionable steps you can take to mitigate its effects on your business.


In 2013, the Boston Consulting Group conducted a global study titled the “
Global Workforce Crisis,” (refer to Figure 1) revealing a startling projection for many countries, including Australia. The research pointed to an impending shortage of skilled workers due to shifts in population demographics, a crisis estimated to manifest around 2020. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this reality, leaving businesses across Australia grappling with a severe shortage of skilled workers.

Figure 1. Boston Consulting Group Study

Figure 1. Boston Consulting Group Study

To comprehend the gravity of this crisis, let’s dissect Australia’s population by age in 2022. Figure 2 from the UN World Population Prospects 2022 shows that the distribution seems reasonable initially, with a decent number of people in the middle age range. 

Figure 2. Australia’s Current Age Profile

Figure 2. Australia’s Current Age Profile

However, the situation takes a bleak turn when we examine the population change between 2012 and 2022 (refer to Figure 3). A significant drop in the workforce is evident, particularly between ages 40 and 60, primarily attributed to the retirement of the baby boomer generation.

Figure 3. Change in population by age in Australia between 2012 and 2022

Figure 3. Change in population by age in Australia between 2012 and 2022

Compounding the problem is the mismatch in motivations and work values between generations. The newer workforce doesn’t share the same motivations as Baby Boomers and Gen X, exacerbating the struggle to find suitable replacements for retiring talent. Historically, Australia has relied on immigrant labor to bridge the gap. However, the pandemic disrupted this, leaving a gaping hole in the workforce.

Currently, Australia faces a historically low unemployment rate of three percent, making it exceedingly competitive to secure skilled workers. In Graph 3, estimates suggest a requirement for approximately 500,000 immigrant jobs to fill the workforce gaps, a demand unlikely to be met promptly. This crisis isn’t confined to Australia alone; New Zealand is also grappling with similar challenges, further intensifying competition for skilled workers.

Addressing the Crisis: Five Key Strategies

  1. Align Your Workforce Plan with Business Strategy Gain a clear understanding of your business strategy and develop a workforce plan that synergises with it. It’s vital to focus on the types of talent necessary to execute your business strategy effectively.
  2. Optimise Talent Attraction and Retention Devise strategies to attract and retain skilled workers in this competitive market. Tailor your approach to appeal to the motivations and values of the newer generations entering the workforce.
  3. Leverage Outsourcing Effectively Implement a robust outsourcing strategy to delegate low-value and hard-to-fill tasks, ensuring optimal productivity and efficiency within your organisation.
  4. Enhance Productivity through Technology and Lean Practices Embrace lean methodologies, agile techniques, and technology integration to boost productivity across your organisation. Leverage technologies, including AI and robotics, to optimise your systems and utilise your workforce efficiently.
  5. Stay Adaptable and Future-Focused Continuously assess your business strategy and adapt to changing circumstances. Be open to exploring innovative approaches and leveraging emerging technologies to drive your business forward.

Embrace the Future with Confidence

As the global workforce crisis unfolds, it’s imperative to embrace proactive strategies to secure your business’s future. By aligning your workforce plan with your business strategy, optimising talent attraction and retention, leveraging outsourcing, enhancing productivity through technology, and staying adaptable, you can navigate this crisis successfully.

That’s where our Workforce Crisis Diagnostic can make a world of difference. Aligned with global best practices, it empowers you to take control of your workforce’s future. By evaluating and addressing these key factors, you can unlock the full potential of your business and build a resilient, engaged, and high-performing workforce.

Invest in your workforce, invest in your business, and invest in your success. Discover the power of our Workforce Crisis Diagnostic today.

For additional resources and personalised guidance in formulating your strategy to overcome the workforce crisis, visit Shifft.com.au. Together, let’s steer your business towards a brighter and more resilient future.

Feel free to reach out for a discussion on how to tailor these strategies to your unique business needs.

Related Posts:

What is holding you back?

What is holding you back?

As we move to the close of another year, (they seem to go faster and faster as I get older) its a good time to stop, prop and reflect on the year that has just passed before you race headlong into another year. There are a range of tools and techniques that you can...

read more
The 7R’s of Innovation

The 7R’s of Innovation

If you want to apply some innovative thinking in your business, the “7Rs of Innovation” is a framework in which you can work in with 7 key areas to think about. 1. RETHINK The first step in innovative thinking is that you ALWAYS need to rethink things. You need to...

read more