Employer Flexibility Required

11 November 2004

Media Release

Employer Flexibility Required

The unemployment figures announced today should be a reminder to employers that their choices are limited when it comes to growing their businesses through an expanded workforce.

“Right now there is a strong demand for skilled employees and limited supply”, said Michael Barnett, Chief Executive of the Auckland Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Employers of an existing workforce would also be wise to focus on how they can retain their skilled people.

Some suggestions the Chamber would make include:

- Incentives that make existing roles more attractive, for example flexible time and holidays. Money is not the sole driver for many employees but work and life balance is.

- Career path planning and training. Helping employees see where their future may be is an attractive proposition, and employers who are prepared to invest in people provide an incentive to be loyal.

Employers can also make their workplaces an attractive proposition by being seen to manage their people differently from employers of the past by using technology and using flexi hours to attract skills.

ENDS

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