New South Wales market insights
Takeaways from people2people's 2025 Report
New South Wales market breakdown
Key trends and insights
New South Wales in 2025 feels like a market moving carefully but purposefully into a new phase of stability. After the intensity of the previous hiring cycles, organisations across Sydney and regional NSW are recalibrating rather than sprinting, focusing on strengthening internal capability and making more deliberate hiring decisions. Employers have more candidates to choose from than in recent years, yet the competition for genuinely high-quality talent remains sharp. This has led businesses to refine their value propositions — ensuring flexibility, growth pathways and culture remain central.
The overall mood is considered optimism. Workplaces are using this steadier climate to rethink team structures, invest in skills uplift, and embrace more strategic workforce planning. Employees, meanwhile, are becoming clearer about what they want: purpose, balance, and environments that listen. NSW in 2025 reflects maturity — a shift away from reactive hiring towards a more sustainable rhythm of workforce development.
2025 New South Wales Labour Market
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
66.9%
National Participation Rate
2.1%
National Inflation Rate
-11%
Annual National Job Ad Change
54%
Job Seeker Confidence Index
63%
Hiring Confidence Index
New South Wales job seeker sentiment
How engaged are people in today's job market?
Across New South Wales in 2025, job seekers are approaching their careers with renewed confidence and clarity. With many actively exploring new opportunities, people are prioritising roles that offer genuine flexibility, clear growth pathways, and strong organisational values. Rather than chasing fast moves or short-term gains, candidates are gravitating toward employers who demonstrate stability, openness, and a commitment to long-term development.
There’s also a more thoughtful approach to job changes emerging. NSW job seekers are taking the time to evaluate leadership, culture, and the authenticity of an organisation before stepping into a new role. This shift reflects a broader desire for work that feels both secure and meaningful — signalling a market where candidates are confident but deliberate, choosing quality and alignment over speed.
79%
Active job seekers
18%
Passive job seekers
1%
Hesitant job seekers
2%
Inactive job seekers
Are you being paid your worth?
Know the New South Wales market before you apply
Employment trends shaping New South Wales labour market in 2025
What key factors are driving talent retention in 2025?
Talent retention remains a key priority in today’s competitive job market. As workforce dynamics evolve, understanding what matters most to employees is essential. Focusing on factors such as career growth, management support, and work-life balance helps employers strengthen engagement and build lasting loyalty.
Why are you losing your staff in 2025?
Employee retention and resignation remain key challenges in today’s evolving workforce. Understanding why people leave and how to keep them engaged is essential for long-term success. As priorities shift toward career growth, culture, and leadership, businesses must adapt their strategies to retain talent. What’s driving resignations in 2025, and how can organisations better support and sustain their people?
What's the impact of forcing a return to the office?
As return-to-office mandates rise, businesses are increasingly concerned about their impact on morale, productivity, and retention. With flexibility now an expectation, finding the right balance between in-person collaboration and remote autonomy is vital. The challenge lies in making office returns work for both people and performance.
2025 Employment & Salary Report
Stay ahead of your market across Australia
Take a closer look at what’s driving hiring in your industry, from shifting employer priorities to the roles most in demand. This comprehensive report reveals the key trends shaping recruitment and workforce strategy this year, providing your business with a competitive edge in today’s uncertain labour market.
- Benchmark your company's attraction and retention strategies
- Find out what job seekers are looking for in 2025
- Identify emerging and current hiring and salary trends
Copyright 2025, people2people Recruitment
