Research and Workforce Trends

Explore how smart workforce management enhances quality care in healthcare. Learn key strategies for optimising staffing, improving efficiency, and reducing costs amidst challenges like staff shortages. Discover the importance of visibility and standardised processes for better care outcomes.

First impressions of frontline work aren’t impressing Gen Z, and with this cohort slated to become a third of the world’s working population by 2030, not improving the employee experience could have a dramatic ripple effect on the labor market today and into the future. A new global study by UKG of nearly 13,000 frontline employees and managers in 11 countries spanning all generations and industries shows the frontline workforce feels overworked, underappreciated, and tempted to quit for a better employee experience — with Gen Z (ages 18 to 27) reporting the worst impacts.

Last year, 2.7 million Australians tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, despite the game airing on a Monday morning. And with this year’s highly anticipated showdown set for Super Bowl LIX, it raises the question: how many of you are planning to chuck a sickie?

As retailers struggle with staff shortages and increased consumer demand, new research from UKG has found that Singaporean retail workers are understaffed and feeling burnt out. The survey of 252 retail workers in Singapore found that 82 per cent of the workforce cite being understaffed as the main reason for burnout. 

Despite the assumption that artificial intelligence (AI) and automation have infiltration every sector of the workforce, new research commissioned by UKG finds that the New Zealand retail workforce is seriously lagging in AI adoption compared to Australian and Singaporean counterparts. 

While technology can drive efficiency and customer satisfaction in the retail workforce, new research from UKG, commissioned by YouGov, found that a significant number of Australian retail workers feel ill-equipped to meet the day-to-day demands of their roles.

The landscape of Human Capital Management (HCM) and workforce management is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing adoption of flexible work arrangements, particularly remote work. This shift has profound implications for employees, organizations, and the broader economy. 

While digital communication provides us the convenience of working from home, new research from UKG, commissioned by YouGov, found that platforms like Outlook, Teams and Slack are creating barriers to clear and effective communication for New Zealand’s Gen Z workforce, preventing them from getting ahead in the workplace. 

Despite the stereotype of Gen Z as a digital-first generation, new research commissioned by UKG and conducted by YouGov finds that these young entrants into the Australian workforce prefer face-to-face communication at work over any other digital communication method.  

About 72% of Aussie workers credit their manager's support, encouragement, or leadership for motivating them to excel at work. Additionally, 39% feel most productive when they have an accessible manager who avoids micromanaging.