The latest LinkedIn Workforce Confidence Index* finds the continuing pandemic, with no end in sight, is sapping the confidence of Australia’s workers and their bosses.
With Victoria back in lockdown and the country on high alert, confidence among Australia’s workers has taken a hit.
That’s according to LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence Index, a fortnightly snapshot of sentiment across three areas.
These are a workers’ ability to get and keep a job; improve their financial situation, and advance in their careers.
Driven by a decrease in optimism surrounding jobs and finances, their Index score dropped to +20 (on a scale from -100 to +100), from +24 in the last wave.
That dip in confidence extends to how Australia’s workers are feeling about their employer’s prospects.
Some 26 per cent of respondents say they expect their employer will be better off in six months, compared with 30 per cent of those polled in June.
Longer-term doesn’t appear to be such a concern — 44 per cent expect their employer will be faring better in a year’s time, compared with 43 per cent in June.
Much of Australia’s downward confidence appears to be driven by decision-makers — those at a director level or above.
They scored +23 on the confidence index in July, down from +35 in June.
Their confidence in their organisations’ long-term outlook has been slowly decreasing for a while; now, their short-term confidence has also plummeted.
Who’s ready to head back to the workplace?
Workers in public administration are the most keen to return to the workplace, with 24 per cent saying they will head back as soon as allowed — though they are also the most likely to feel pressured to do so (12 per cent).
Some 59 per cent say they’re concerned about exposure to others not taking safety guidelines seriously.
Those in software/IT are most likely to remain remote for now (29 per cent).
More than half say they are concerned about the commute to work.
Healthcare and construction workers (58 per cent and 55 per cent of whom have remained on site throughout, respectively) are the least likely to have concerns about returning to the workplace.
More than a quarter have no concerns at all.
Meanwhile, finance employees are most likely to have numerous concerns about exposure: 64 per cent are worried about the commute, 59 per cent cite those not taking safety guidelines seriously, and 32 per cent point to being in close proximity with other co-workers.
*LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence Index is a fortnightly snapshot based on a poll of 5,364 members across Australia, asking how they feel about getting or holding a job, improving their financial situation or advancing in their careers.
This article first appeared at linkedin.com
