Riding the ripple effect: thriving in 2023/24 financial year

Welcome to the rollercoaster ride that is the global economy as we gear up for the 2023/2024 financial year. It's no secret that industries across the board are grappling with a host of challenges that transcend boundaries and shake things up like never before.

Picture this: interest rates are soaring in the property market, causing whispers of an impending recession. On top of that, talent shortages are plaguing businesses, thanks to the prevailing ‘me-first’ mentality of employees who are laser-focused on their own desires. It's like searching for a needle in a haystack just to find ready-to-go staff locally. And as if that wasn't enough, massive layoffs are sending shockwaves around the world, while certain tech jobs continue to be in high demand. It's enough to make your head spin, isn't it?

But here's the kicker: these challenges aren't confined to specific industries anymore. It's like an interconnected puzzle, where one piece impacts the others in unexpected ways. So, what's the key to surviving this whirlwind? 

Understanding these interconnections. To navigate the upcoming financial year, we need to wrap our heads around how the challenges faced by one sector can reverberate throughout the others. It's like seeing the bigger picture, the intricate web that holds everything together.

Challenge #1: Interest rates rising and the rumours of a recession

Ah, the property market – a realm where dreams of homeownership and lucrative investments collide. However, rising interest rates have cast a shadow over this once-thriving domain, leaving us to ponder the consequences and brace for a potential recession.

In early June 2023, The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) handed down another interest rate hike in their efforts to ease the rising rate of inflation: 4.10% cash rate¹. For comparison, in May 2022, interest rates were just 0.1% - monthly repayments have, in just 12 months, increased by a whopping $1,321.

The RBA Governor Philip Lowe believes in “...the importance of returning inflation to target within a reasonable timeframe” hence why “... the Board judged that a further increase in interest rates was warranted…²”.

When interest rates start climbing, it's like throwing a wrench into the property market's gears. Borrowing becomes more expensive, impacting potential homeowners and investors. Affordability takes a hit, leading to wavering demand for properties. But the consequences go beyond just the property market.

The ripple effect extends to other sectors dependent on its vitality. Construction projects dwindle, impacting builders, contractors and suppliers. Retail businesses suffer as well, with reduced demand impacting commercial real estate, retail jobs and consumer spending habits.

Financial institutions face challenges as lending slows down and credit tightens. This can have broader implications for businesses trying to access funds for growth. When rumours of a recession fueled by rising interest rates come into play, uncertainty and anxiety abound. The struggling property market can disrupt employment, consumer confidence and trigger a downward spiral in the broader economy.

Understanding the interconnected nature of the property market's impact is vital. It goes beyond homeowners and investors. Adapting and weathering the storm ahead requires navigating these interdependencies with care.

Challenge #2: Talent shortages and the ‘me-first’ mentality

Talent shortages – the bane of many industries' existence. It's like searching for a needle in a haystack, only to find that the haystack itself is shrinking. As we navigate the landscape of the 2023/2024 financial year, talent shortages have become a formidable challenge that businesses can no longer ignore.

But why are these shortages happening? Well, a large part comes down to the notorious ‘me-first’ mentality that seems to have taken hold of employees everywhere. In a world where individual desires and ambitions take centre stage, the notion of loyalty to a single employer has lost some of its lustre. Employees, are quick to jump ship in search of greener pastures, leaving businesses struggling to find ready-to-go staff.

The local impact of these talent shortages is palpable. Businesses find themselves in a constant battle to attract and retain the right talent. When businesses can't find the skilled workers they need, projects stall, growth slows and the overall economic engine starts to sputter.

The effects of talent shortages are felt across a multitude of industries. Let's take healthcare, for example. In an era where the demand for healthcare services is skyrocketing, 46% of recruiters are still finding it difficult to fill full-time roles for doctors, nurses and specialised professionals³. This puts a strain on healthcare facilities, leading to longer wait times, compromised patient care and a stressed-out workforce.

The technology industry is also grappling with talent shortages. As advancements in technology continue to shape our world, the demand for skilled tech professionals skyrockets. However, the supply simply can't keep up. 86% of CIOs cited more competition for qualified candidates with 73% of them concerned about tech talent attrition⁴. 

With 2.1 million manufacturing jobs expected to go unfilled by 2030 ⁵, these talent shortages hinder the growth and modernisation of manufacturing sectors, leaving businesses scrambling to find qualified workers to operate advanced machinery and drive efficiency.

To navigate the choppy waters of the 2023/2024 financial year, businesses must adapt their talent strategies, prioritise employee development and find innovative ways to attract and retain the skilled workforce they need. It's a battle worth fighting.

Challenge #3: Layoffs worldwide and the demand for tech jobs

Hold on tight because we're about to dive into a worldwide phenomenon that has left many industries reeling: massive layoffs. It's like a seismic shake-up, with companies across the globe tightening their belts and making tough decisions to weather the storm. But amidst the chaos, there's a glimmer of hope in the form of the persistent demand for certain tech jobs.

Let's start with the layoffs. Businesses faced with economic challenges and uncertainty often resort to reducing their workforce. Employees find themselves caught in the crossfire as positions are eliminated and teams are downsized.

But here's where things get interesting. Despite the overall economic challenges, certain tech jobs continue to shine brightly in the job market. We did just touch on talent shortages within this sector but it’s important to note: it’s a shortage of talented quality candidates, not a shortage of people. 

The demand for skilled professionals in areas like software development, data analysis, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence remains high. With the Australian government setting a target to create 1.2 million tech jobs by 2030⁶, it's like a beacon of opportunity amidst the storm.

This juxtaposition raises an important question: why is there a persistent demand for tech jobs despite the layoffs and economic turmoil? Well, technology has become the lifeblood of many industries. Businesses are increasingly relying on digital solutions, automation and innovation to stay competitive and adapt to changing market dynamics. This reliance creates a constant need for skilled tech professionals who can drive these advancements and propel businesses forward.

But here's the catch: the inability to internally develop talent poses a significant challenge. When businesses are unable to cultivate a pipeline of skilled professionals from within, they are forced to look externally to meet their tech needs. This reliance on external talent can be costly and may create a talent gap that hampers long-term growth and innovation.

So, how do we bridge this talent gap? The answer lies in upskilling and reskilling programs. Businesses and individuals alike must recognise the importance of continuous learning and invest in programs that equip employees with the necessary tech skills. By providing opportunities for upskilling and reskilling, businesses can tap into their existing workforce and cultivate a pool of talent that meets their evolving tech needs.

A common denominator: the human factor

Amidst the myriad challenges faced by industries, there is a common thread that runs through them all – people. Whether it's a shortage of talent or the need to reduce costs resulting in layoffs, the human element remains a persistent struggle for businesses across the board. However, there is a solution that can help address these issues: outsourcing.

When faced with the need to cut costs, many companies instinctively look for ways to reduce staffing expenses. It seems like the easiest method, but it comes with its own set of consequences. Downsizing the workforce may provide short-term relief, but it often leads to a decline in productivity. Less people on board means less output, and eventually, the need for increased labour capacity resurfaces, bringing us back to square one.

This is where outsourcing steps in as a viable alternative. Outsourcing can help businesses reduce costs while maintaining and even boosting productivity. By leveraging outsourcing services, companies can tap into a global talent pool and access skilled professionals at a fraction of the cost. In fact, outsourcing can save up to 70% on employment costs, providing significant financial relief to businesses in need.

But outsourcing goes beyond mere cost reduction. It's not about replacing people; it's about finding the support to maintain, grow and survive. Instead of solely relying on layoffs and hoping to find someone better down the line, businesses can explore outsourcing as a means to bridge the talent gap. Outsourcing allows companies to access specialised expertise, scale operations quickly and adapt to changing market demands.

However, the conversation shouldn't stop at cost savings and operational efficiency. Developing talent remains a crucial aspect of any sustainable business strategy. Recognising this, we here at Beepo have acknowledged the need to invest in the community and actively nurture fresh talent to meet industry demands.

An example of this is Project HIRED. By identifying gaps within conversations with clients, we are actively developing and training individuals to fill those gaps, rather than solely relying on traditional recruitment methods. This approach not only benefits businesses by providing them with access to skilled professionals, but it also fosters talent development within the community, supporting long-term growth and sustainability.

While people remain at the heart of the challenges faced by industries, outsourcing presents a pathway to address these issues. By recognising the need for cost reduction and talent development, businesses can leverage outsourcing to save costs, maintain productivity and invest in the growth of their workforce. It's a symbiotic relationship that benefits both businesses and the community at large, paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous future.

The interconnectedness of these challenges

Welcome to the intricate web of interconnectedness that we call the economy. It's like a giant puzzle where each piece influences the others, creating a delicate balance that can easily be disrupted. As we delve into the challenges faced by various industries, it becomes evident that the impact of these challenges extends far beyond their immediate boundaries.

Industries don't exist in isolation. They are interwoven, and any disturbance in one sector can send shockwaves that reverberate throughout the entire economy. Let's consider a scenario: a major industry experiences a downturn. This downturn affects not only the companies directly involved but also their suppliers. When demand decreases, suppliers face dwindling orders, leading to a decline in their own production and revenue. This cascading effect continues down the supply chain, impacting numerous businesses along the way.

But it doesn't stop there. The ripple effect extends to consumers as well. When an industry experiences challenges, it often translates into higher costs or reduced availability of goods and services. This directly affects consumers' purchasing power and can influence their spending habits, leading to a shift in demand across multiple sectors.

Furthermore, the interconnected nature of the economy has broader implications for overall economic stability. If multiple industries face simultaneous challenges, it can create a domino effect that threatens the stability of the entire system. Unemployment may rise, consumer confidence may waver, and businesses may struggle to adapt to the changing landscape. The delicate balance of supply and demand can be thrown off, potentially leading to a cycle of economic downturn.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Recognising the interconnectedness of the economy presents us with an opportunity to proactively address these challenges. By understanding the ripple effect, businesses and policymakers can develop strategies that mitigate the negative impacts and foster resilience.

Collaboration becomes essential. Industries must come together, sharing knowledge and resources to navigate these turbulent times. Businesses can seek innovative solutions and partnerships to overcome shared challenges. Governments can implement policies that support a more diversified and interconnected economy, reducing the vulnerability to shocks in any one sector.

Ultimately, it's about realising that we're all in this together. The challenges faced by one industry have implications far beyond their immediate scope.