How Attractive Is Your Business Compared to Jobkeeper?

Mark Smith • July 22, 2020

We’ve all heard the stories – during this global health and economic crisis, the number of career seekers looking for work is growing by the day, in an already competitive market.

However, despite this perceived excess, top talent is still hard to find, especially with factors such as JobKeeper at play. What’s more, once you’ve identified your best applicants, hiring and keeping these people within your company can be just as tricky.

In an open discussion with one of our people2people consultants in Queensland, the question was raised whether JobKeeker payments were an inhibitor to people actively seeking and accepting short term assignments, thus creating another competitor for employers in an already difficult market. Would people forfeit the opportunity to work when unemployment is rising faster than since the great depression? It turns out, yes.

A recent people2people survey of over 150 Australian job seekers showed 20% would opt to receive the JobKeeper pay in hand, rather than accepting a short-term three-month assignment. Why? We believe there are many factors involved, however slow hiring processes, company culture, and employer brand play pivotal roles.

Never has it been truer, business success relies on having exceptional people. In a world where money really is talking, how can you make your company more appealing than the government contribution or other competitors, so your current top performers don’t ‘jump ship’? Here’s how:

1) Start off by knowing potential new hires and top performers expectations:

  • What learning and development opportunities are available?
  • Is there a clear career pathway for them within the business?
  • Will they be challenged in their role? Is there variety?

When your staff feels supported and cared for, there is a greater incentive for them to stay than just their monthly paycheck.

2) Company culture is another aspect your business should be focusing on.

It’s what inspires and motivates your employees to come to work each day and put their best foot forward. It is also what job applicants are looking for. Ask yourself:

  • Are your manager’s good leaders who coach and mentor their team?
  • How are you caring for your employees’ mental health during this time?
  • Is there a sense of community amongst your employees?

These are just some of the things that could be contributing to a positive culture in your workplace. Get your company culture right, and the sense of loyalty and belonging that employees will feel in your business will encourage them to stay with you long-term and be an attraction magnet for future hires.

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 Aiden Boast November 2, 2025
Explore how Australian businesses can strengthen inclusion and innovation through neuroinclusion. Learn from Aisling Smith and Aiden Boast about creating workplaces that support neurodivergent employees and unlock their full potential.
By Leanne Lazarus October 26, 2025
Discover how leadership development is evolving in 2025. Learn what organisations can do to build interdependent, future-ready leaders who drive performance, collaboration, and culture.
By Peta Seaman October 19, 2025
Australia’s job vacancies fell by 2.7% in August 2025, signalling a shift toward more balanced hiring conditions. people2people’s Peta Seaman explores what this means for employers and job seekers across the country.
By Peta Seaman October 12, 2025
Discover how fear of failure is shaping Australian workplaces in 2025 — and learn practical ways employees and employers can overcome it to build confidence, creativity, and long-term success.
By Ben Wheeler October 5, 2025
Australia’s unemployment rate remains steady at 4.2%, but falling employment and reduced participation hint at a softening job market heading into 2026.

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