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 people2people December 20, 2025
Skills-first hiring is gaining momentum, with 85% of organisations now using it in some form. However, challenges around assessment, training and leadership alignment continue to limit consistent adoption. Explore what’s driving the shift and how employers can make skills-based hiring work in practice.
By Aiden Boast December 14, 2025
Australia’s latest Wage Price Index shows wage growth steady at 0.8% for the September 2025 quarter and 3.4% annually. Explore what this means for real wages, labour market conditions, and employer planning for 2026.
By Aiden Boast December 7, 2025
A detailed breakdown of Australia’s 2025 employment landscape, exploring hiring trends, AI’s impact on job search and recruitment, shifting candidate expectations, and strategic insights to help employers prepare for 2026.
By Leanne Lazarus December 1, 2025
A comprehensive look at how Australia’s 2025 workplace legislation shaped HR practices, covering wage theft, sexual harassment reforms, psychosocial risks and the right to disconnect, with insights to prepare for 2026.
By Liz Punshon November 23, 2025
Explore why burnout is rising across Australia, the workplace factors driving it and what leaders can do to support wellbeing, reduce stress and create healthier work environments.

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