How SMEs can weather low unemployment

An economic snapshot

We expect the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is quite pleased with the latest drop in unemployment. Our market is already grappling with a weakening housing market, reduced business lending, and a reduction in capital expenditure by businesses (typical behaviour before a federal election), so another negative impact would have been cause for concern. However, higher employment means that people have jobs to fund debt and there is still liquidity in the market.

The RBA has time to consider what to do with interest rates as we approach the next election. We do not expect any change to interest rates before the election, as it would be seen to be too political.

We spare a thought for the many Australians (8.3 per cent) who are under-employed and working part-time. Under-employment has a real impact on the economic and social welfare of Australians. We expect the RBA would want to this rate drop, so more Aussies can put more money aside for their superannuation to secure their financial futures. Lack of full-time employment opportunities and stagnant wages has been described by the Labor party as a ‘wage crisis’.

Risk management tips for SMEs

In this climate, the challenge for SMEs is to consider how they can weather low unemployment to continue to attract and retain high quality staff.

Suitable strategies can include:

• Having high quality training programs in place to support career progression
• Employee recognition programs to celebrate good performance
• Employee benefits that are valued, such as flexible work arrangements
• Establishing clear lines of communication to foster trust and collaboration
• Keeping track of industry remuneration benchmarks to offer competitive rates
• Providing meaningful work opportunities to increase job satisfaction
• Introducing staff mentoring programs
• Establishing staff secondment opportunities with partner firms in other locations
• Ensuring staff are not over worked and their well being is supported.

For more insights, watch Tony Sacre on Your Money, or contact your local Bentleys advisor.