In recent times we've seen a significant shift to flexible, hybrid and virtual working environments with the rate of change showing no sign of slowing. Australia's public sector is not immune to the challenges that this change brings.
Hunting for HR innovation in the public sector
Across two weeks in January and February, Deloitte hosted a series of roadshows, together with the Public Sector Network, across the country on human resources (HR) and the future of work in the Public Sector. Deloitte was proud to chair this program of events in six Australian cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, and Perth. The event was attended by over 300 HR professionals from all levels of the public sector. Attendees included chiefs, directors, heads and managers of human resources, people and culture, diversity and inclusion, talent acquisition, workplace strategy and learning and development.
“The Melbourne roadshow invited the audience to share perspectives on the imperative for reinvention and innovation in building modern workplaces and people agendas. The sessions were productive and energising. Speakers generously shared inspiring and practical examples of how they have focussed on building inclusive environments, developing work strategies, and identifying critical skills needs for the future, shaping irresistible cultures and differentiated employee value proposition to retain people in a competitive talent scape.Thank you to the PSN and speakers who stimulated discussion and ideas, everyone left motivated for action.”
~ Amanda Flouch, Partner Human Capital Consulting
Through an agenda of keynote speeches, case studies, roundtables and panel discussions, the roadshow enabled attendees to engage in targeted conversations about the challenges facing the public sector workforce.
Polls conducted at the beginning of each session highlighted some interesting similarities and key differences across cities. It became obvious very quickly that across Australia the public sector is at vastly different stages of maturity in implementing an effective HR strategy. Results show that Brisbane is the most mature geographical area in terms of HR strategy, with at least one in two describing their HR strategy as comprehensive, holistic, and integrated into work. Considerably higher than the 38% national average.
Nationally, HR strategy is skewed towards focussing on the physical, mental, and financial health of workers. Interestingly, the greatest variance among cities was at the other end of the scale, with one in four attendees (25%) from one city stating they had no HR strategy. Compared with the national average of just 13%.
“I was thrilled to chair the Brisbane event. It was a packed event where presenters, panellists and participants discussed their HR challenges, and shared ideas for solving their key issues around talent acquisition, retention, diversity and inclusion, and implementation and adoption of HR technology. All the speakers, presentations, keynotes and panel discussions were incredibly engaging and there was a real sense of sharing knowledge and insights.”
~ Ruth Postle, Partner, Deloitte Human Capital Consulting