SMEs beware; up to 20% of Australian workers seeking a career change this year

Small Business Connections • February 27, 2023

Today, recruitment expert and Group Managing Director Mark Smith from leading recruitment company people2people is predicting that the “Great Resignation” will still happen in Australia, but may be delayed. A 2022 online poll of Australian workers by them has revealed over 40% are looking to change jobs or make a career change, a 3% increase from pre-Christmas results.

“The Omicron variant has certainly thrown another spanner in the works for employers and employees alike over the past two months. The fast-paced spread of the virus coupled with close contacts all in isolation has not only caused staff shortages, but uncertainty. We have seen an increase of over 40% in requests for temp staff across all industries,

“For those who spent the summer break reconsidering their career path, now is the time to get your CV in order. With such a high percentage of workers indicating they plan on resigning or making a career change, your first impression through your CV will become even more important,” says Smith.

Between 10 and 20% of Australians also indicated that they are looking for a career change in 2022 according to people2people’s online poll.

Find the job you love I Find the right talent
Get in touch with people2people

Australia   I   United Kingdom

In business since 2002 in Australia, NZ, and the United Kingdom, people2people is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. With over 12 offices, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Large Agency and Excellence in Candidate Care Awards, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.



Share insights

Recent articles

By Leanne Lazarus September 22, 2025
Discover how AI is transforming HR in Australia. Explore risks, legal challenges, and opportunities for HR leaders to adapt and thrive in 2025.
By Liz Punshon September 11, 2025
Brooke Lord and Guy Davy join Liz Punshon to explore how Australia’s job market is recalibrating in 2025. They discuss internal mobility, AI integration, and the critical importance of adaptability in a market moving from volume to value.
By Kalinda Campbell September 9, 2025
Kalinda Campbell leads a deep dive into the legal landscape with Damian Gordon and Emma Elliott. They unpack how law firms are using flexibility, leadership development, and tech adoption to retain talent and future-proof their practices across Australia and New Zealand.
By Bianca Luck September 4, 2025
Leanne Allen and Chris Yam join Bianca Luck to explore the future of finance in 2025. They examine how teams are balancing stability with innovation, why upskilling beats offshoring, and how finance professionals are being asked to become both analysts and storytellers.
By Aiden Boast September 2, 2025
Nicole Clarke and Karl Sullivan join Aiden Boast to explore the future of marketing in 2025. From AI and predictive analytics to immersive tech and human storytelling, they unpack what it takes to build a modern, high-performing marketing team across Australia and New Zealand.

Latest Media Features


Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us