1
Employer of Choice
Tracy Samassa
Human Resources Manager
Sydney Convention and Exhibition
Centre
Agenda
• Why an employer of choice?
– Australia’s changing workforce
– Turnover
• Employer of choice – definition
• Research
• Examples of employer of choice initiatives
• Evaluating your organisation
• Questions / Comments
Australia’s changing workforce
-0.14% TO 0.71%
2051
1%
TODAY
POPULATION GROWTH
18% over 65 years old
2021
15% over 65 years old
2011
AGING POPULATION
Reducing workforce
• Low labour force participation rates among older
workers
• More parents leaving the workforce: work/life
balance
• Birth rates continue to fall
= profound effect on the war for talent
Turnover
US$46 000 per year job replacement cost
= US$78 000
Definition
Achieve
Corporate
Objectives
Recognised
Admired
for
Leadership
Culture
Best Practice
Attract
Optimise
Hold
Top
Talent
2
• September 2000 Virgin Blue Airlines launched
• Aug 2001 Air NZ offered to buy VB for US$250
million
• “Richard if you don’t take this offer we will put
the money into Ansett and they will wipe out
Virgin Blue in 6 months!”
• Branson publicly declines offer
• 5 days later Ansett closed down
Employer of choice strategies
• Good leadership
• Healthy corporate culture
• Challenging work environment
• Excellence in rewards and recognition
• Continuous learning and development
• Succession planning/career progression
• Quality of life at work
• Work life balance
• Respecting people
Research Study: Attract
• Career development
• Business ethics
• Progressive management
• Effective internal communication
• Employee recognition and reward system
• Training opportunities
• Social conscience
Research Study: Retain
• Exciting and challenging work
48%
• Career growth, learning and
development
43%
• Working with great people and
relationships (boss)
42%
• Fair pay
32%
Research Study: Leave
Top 3 reasons people leave:
• Offered a promotion in another company
• Significant increase in base salary
• Lack of career advancement/development
opportunities
Employer