Queensland market insights
Takeaways from people2people's 2025 Report
Queensland market breakdown
Key trends and insights
Queensland’s 2025 employment market carries a sense of positive momentum, shaped by the state’s ongoing growth, infrastructure activity, and expanding professional sectors. Employers are seeing stronger candidate engagement than in the past couple of years, which is helping ease some longstanding skills pressures. Yet, even with a deeper talent pool, businesses still face challenges attracting high performers, pushing many to double-down on culture, flexibility, and retention initiatives.
The atmosphere is one of steady confidence. Organisations are planning ahead, particularly as the state continues preparing for major upcoming projects and population growth. Job seekers are optimistic too, but are selective: they seek roles that offer long-term stability, modern work practices and the ability to progress. Queensland feels like a market on the rise, but one where thoughtful, strategic hiring is replacing the urgency that once defined it.
2025 Queensland Labour Market
4.2%
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
Queensland job seeker sentiment
How engaged are people in today's job market?
In Queensland’s 2025 market, job seekers are showing a more balanced and intentional mindset. Many are actively considering fresh opportunities, but they are weighing their options more carefully than in previous years. Flexibility and lifestyle remain strong motivators, yet candidates are increasingly focused on long-term stability and workplaces that support both personal and professional growth.
A noticeable trend is the rise in passive job seekers — people who are open to moving but only for the right role. This has created a more selective environment where cultural alignment, progression, and genuine organisational purpose are often the deciding factors. Queensland’s candidate market feels steady and assured, with job seekers prioritising roles that offer meaning, balance, and room to build a sustainable future.
72%
Active job seekers
24%
Passive job seekers
1%
Hesitant job seekers
3%
Inactive job seekers
Employment trends shaping Queensland 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
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