Clarius Skills Index 

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Employees put under pressure to deliver optimum productivity

Employers now are looking for staff who can provide the highest possible productivity capabilities from management right through to support staff like receptionists and PA’s, according to the new and updated Clarius Skills Index.

With a significant oversupply of Office and Practice Managers (7,000), PA’s (3,800) and Inquiry Clerks and Receptionists (9,000) and a tightening of most of the economy, it has become an employer’s market.

The Clarius Skills Index, the only quarterly measure of the supply and demand of skilled labour, reports an increase in the employment pool for Office and Practice Managers from 176,300 in the September quarter up to 179,000 in the December quarter who are employed or seeking jobs.

Meanwhile, the PA’s and Secretaries occupations category has moved up from 126,400 to 144,900 while the Inquiry Clerks and Receptionists has increased 10,800 from 287,600 in September to 298,400 in December, employed or seeking work.

Paul Barbaro, Executive General Manager of Clarius’ Alliance Recruitment, says with the oversupply, productivity has risen to the top of the agenda for many employers across the country, regardless of industry sector, while competition has increased for job candidates.

The December Quarter Clarius Skills Index also found the shortage of quality Advertising and Sales Managers has eased but remains high in the face of increasing pressures to lift revenues in the face of a tightening economy.

While down on the previous quarter’s 3,900 shortfall, there is still a shortage of more than 1,500 Advertising and Sales Managers across Australia.

“Lifting sales and advertising through clever, strategic marketing are critical goals across a range of industries and that’s pushing the focus on productivity,” Mr. Barbaro said.

“Maintaining and growing revenue streams is crucial right now. There are pressures within the Australian economy - particularly in finance, retailing, tourism and manufacturing - but also from the looming problems in Europe and to a lesser degree in the US.