We all remember March 2020. It was a time plagued by uncertainty and job insecurity.
Thankfully, we made it through to the other side. However, it would be somewhat ignorant to assume that life would return to normal. It’s time to face the post-pandemic reality.
The COVID 19 pandemic was an historical event that impacted the global economy, causing unemployment rates to spike and living conditions to swelter. It profoundly reshaped how Australians live and work. For those who work in manufacturing, logistics and transport, and warehousing, it’s important to acknowledge how recent workforce shifts have impacted the future of work and will change the trajectory of your career.
So, What’s Changed and What Lies Ahead?
The following blog explores the various ways the pandemic has changed the Australian economy and transformed the job search.
1. A Hybrid Workforce: Combining remote and on-site operations.
Those who work in an industrial sector are often required to work on-site as they are responsible for assisting with the production and distribution of tangible products. However, some workplaces in the industry have implemented a hybrid work structure where possible.
While production and warehousing staff often remain on-site, many warehouse administrators, inventory controllers, and supervisors can manage shipments and control inventory while offsite – this is all thanks to technology!
According to the ABS, 60% of managers and office staff work from home on a regular basis, and 1 in 5 Australians across all other occupations continue to follow a hybrid model.
However, many organisations are walking away from remote working agreements and expect their staff to return to the workplace on a full-time basis.
2. Automation and AI: A demand for digital skills.
We have said it before, and we will say it again, the right time to learn digital skills is NOW. Especially if you work in manufacturing, logistics and/or warehousing.
A rising number of Australian businesses are implementing new processes that support an automated workflow. Not only that, but industry investment on new technology is substantial. This means that more businesses rely on a digitally driven workforce that can work with these tools to boost efficiency and meet deadlines.
According to the CICA, more than 630,000 Australian jobs could be replaced by technology before 2028. However, with the right training opportunities and an increased investment on employee upskilling, job creation may exceed job redundancy 2x over by 2035 according to ACS.
Want to know more about the digital transformation and how AI will impact the workforce? Give this article a read: Harnessing Digital Literacy: The Pros and Cons of Artificial Intelligence
3. Supply Chain Efficiency and Local Manufacturing Jobs
According to The Australia Institute’s Centre for Future Work, manufactured goods account for over two-thirds of world merchandise trade.
COVID-19 was a wakeup call for many Australian businesses. Throughout 2020, Australia experienced a shortage of goods and services across multiple industries. From toilet paper to pasta, our supermarket shelves were left bare, and several businesses were feeling the pressure to restore supply chain efficiency.
The manufacturing, transport and logistics, and wholesale industries were significantly impacted by COVID 19 restrictions and transportation constraints. Raising concerns around our reliance on imported goods and the global supply chain. As a result, the Morrison Government invested in a $1.5 billion manufacturing strategy aimed to strengthen the workforce and provide job opportunities to Australians.
4. Job mobility and Career Exploration
Manufacturing is one of Australia’s largest employing industries. With many occupations to choose from, the industry offers an abundance of job opportunities for motivated and innovative workers.
Gaining industry experience across a variety of sectors allows workers to learn and adopt transferrable skills, which consequently increases job mobility. Changing jobs can be beneficial to the workforce as it allows employees to apply new skills, achieve job satisfaction, and find the right cultural fit.
At the beginning of the pandemic, workers were reluctant to change jobs, however in 2023 job mobility increased from 7.5% to 9.6% as younger workers searched for job opportunities in different industries. According to the ABS, 1.1 million people changed jobs in 2023.
COVID 19 greatly accelerated the use of technology and automation in the Australian workforce and on a global scale. The benefits of learning new technology and understanding digital tools is critical to job growth and career longevity in manufacturing, transport and logistics, and warehousing.
Networking can help you get the job you want! Find out how: 3 Ways To Successfully Network
Steps Forward:
To prepare for your future of work, you should spend time learning new technology and upskilling. It is also beneficial to focus on enhancing your soft skills, such as attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
While change can be challenging, it also brings new opportunities.
If you are on the hunt for your next role, we encourage you to explore our job listings or call 1300 178 233 to find out more. Staff Australia is always looking to provide work to job seekers all across Australia.
