In the UK, they’re scrambling to recruit new talent, in the US they’re trying to curb departures – and across the ditch recent employment survey suggests Australia’s skill shortage will intensify over the coming year.
With Australian employers registering the highest level of employment sentiment since July/August 2005, recruitment firm Hudson suggests they look to mature-age workers, returning parents and skilled immigrants to help beat potential recruiting problems. The Hudson survey of more than 7000 employers found that 38.4 percent expect to add to their headcount in the current quarter while just 5.8 percent are contemplating downsize.
Meanwhile in the US, poll of employees and HR professionals carried out by the Society for Human Resource Management just before Christmas found companies experiencing high percentage of voluntary resignations – which is prompting new interest in employee retention schemes. And another survey of 2500 hiring managers there has found that 40 percent of them are planning to increase company headcount.
Agri experts warn New Zealand’s food and fibre future could arrive by default rather than by design
Management Editorial Team
June 24, 2026
Despite near universal optimism in the rural sector, a panel of New Zealand’s leading food and agri minds say the sector must be intentional about its future path if it’s to successfully navigate the social, economic, environmental and technological forces impacting its operating environment.
