Spring '09
Tue, 09/08/2009 - 22:00 — The Johnson Group
Welcome
We’re finally coming out of a long, hard winter, and there are also encouraging early signs that we may be coming out of the economic downturn.
There are some positive trends in the labour market, and the Government has launched new work programmes such as its youth employment and training initiative.
As John Whitehead, Secretary to the Treasury, said at a recent seminar, a high-performing public sector is essential to New Zealand’s future. The Government has sent a strong message that the public sector has to improve its efficiency and deliver the best possible value for money.
To run world-class institutions, government departments and agencies need world-class people. Demand for candidates with the right skills, expertise and experience will continue to grow.
As the only recruitment firm specialising in public sector placement and advice, we’re in a great position to help you plan your career progression. Give us a call to discuss your next move.
Leigh and Campbell
Porirua Project Wins Top Award
An innovative collaboration between Porirua City Council, police and community agencies has won a major public sector award.
The Safer Porirua project won the Prime Minister’s Award, the top accolade in this year’s IPANZ Gen-i Public Sector Excellence Awards.
The project is a collaboration to achieve World Health Organisation status as an international safe community, which Porirua achieved 2008. Porirua now has the lowest crime rates in the Wellington region, a reduced rate of serious and fatal road crashes, and an improved public perception of safety.
For more, go to www.ipanzawards.org.nz
Wellingtonians have Third-Highest Salaries
The average salary in Wellington is now $72,331, according to a Trade Me survey of job listings.
Wellington had the third-highest average salary in the country, behind Auckland ($73,334) and the Grey District, on the West Coast ($81,451 - thanks to high-paid jobs in the energy sector). Trade Me Also found that, despite the recession, most occupations have reported salary increases.
Right Advice Essential for Returning Kiwis
The number of New Zealanders returning home after living in Australia has hit a 20-year high.
The Johnson Group has noticed that there seem to be fewer opportunities in the Australian public sector, and Campbell urges candidates returning from Australia to be realistic about their expectations of the New Zealand job market. “It’s really important to get the right advice and to be able to tap into the right networks, which is where we can help,” he says.
Putting People First
We’ve been disturbed to hear that a recent survey of 10,000 job hunters found that 16% of those questioned had a “poor” experience of recruiters – and just 5% rated the standard of care they were given as “excellent”.
At The Johnson Group, we believe the way we treat candidates sets us apart. We’re committed to putting people first, and we do everything we can to help candidates plan their career – from sharing sector knowledge to giving tips on networking and interview techniques. We also actively seek feedback and carry out regular surveys to ensure we remain the first choice for the public sector.
ACC Launches Alumni Programme
ACC has launched a successful alumni programme as part of its recruitment programme. The alumni programme enables ACC to keep in touch with former employees and with employees on extended leave. Departing staff are told about the programme during their exit interview, and those who join are sent a quarterly newsletter featuring new initiatives, success stories and career opportunities. The programme began in mid 2008, and has already attracted more than 100 members - two of whom have since rejoined ACC. "We're finding it a really good way of maintaining our connection with former employees," says Recruitment and Selection Manager Leanne Mallia.
For more, go to www.acc.co.nz
Green Shoots in Labour Market
Women and older workers are experiencing above-average employment growth, according to the Department of Labour’s latest market update.
The June update also found that the unemployment rate remains relatively low in historical terms, and is still well below the OECD average. New Zealand’s labour force participation rate was 68.4% - the same as at beginning of the recession.
Responding to the update’s findings, Campbell says, “It’s important to look beyond the negative media and see the positive things happening in the labour market.”
For more, go to www.dol.govt.nz
More People Working Beyond Retirement
The number of people working over retirement age has more than tripled in the past decade.
Statistics New Zealand figures show that the number of over-65s in paid employment jumped from 24,700 in 1998 to 77,600 last year. At The Johnson Group, we’ve found that clients value being able to tap into the knowledge and experience of older workers who have lived through previous economic downturns and developed the life skills to cope with them.
For more, go to www.stats.govt.nz
Job Doctor
“Since the recession began, I’ve found it increasingly difficult to talk to my manager. I feel that I’m putting my job at risk if I admit that I’m not finding my current role challenging enough. Should I talk to her, or play it safe and not say anything?”
-Julia, Newlands
“It’s really important for people to be meaningfully engaged with their manager – that’s a big issue for the public sector. Some people fear that if they say they’re not enjoying their job they’ll lose out in the next restructure,” says Campbell.
“But if you’re not getting the job satisfaction you need to be able to do your job well, it’s important that you find a way to have that conversation with your manager. You have to feel challenged, and you have to feel you’re adding value to your organisation.
“If you need further advice, The Johnson Group is happy to provide input on how you can manage your career to continue feeling challenged and fulfilled.”
And finally...
While the Government currently has fiscal restraints around employment, a host of new initiatives suggest a bright future and fresh opportunities for public sector professionals. If you'd like to talk to us further about your employment situation, please contact us on 04 473 6699 or email us at info@thejohnsongroup.co.nz.
Wishing you all the best,
Leigh and Campbell