Turning 40 is a big deal. For Reddin Group, a name synonymous with executive search, recruitment and human resource consulting in Australia, but it’s not about being (as they say) ‘over the hill’. It’s about celebrating four decades of experience, expertise, and success in a constantly evolving industry, based in human connection.
So, as we look back on 40-years of the Reddin Group, we also reflect on the changes that have impacted the recruitment landscape in Australia.
The 80s, 90s and 2000s
Since opening our doors in 1983, Australia has experienced a range of economic cycles and fluctuations, which have significantly impacted the job market and how businesses approach recruitment
During the 1980s and 1990s, Australia experienced rapid economic growth and development, which created many new job opportunities and helped reduce unemployment rates. This growth significantly impacted businesses, and many organisations had to shift their approach to recruitment to keep up with the changing job market.
Company Founder and Managing Director, David Reddin, highlights the importance of adapting to change.
“During this time of growth, companies had to become more creative in their recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent. Adapting to the changing job market has always been crucial for businesses, especially in times of economic uncertainty,” he said.
The 1980s and 1990s also led to new industries, such as information technology, which created new job opportunities. This continued into the 2000s where Australia experienced its longest period of economic growth, until the impacts of the Global Financial Crisis reached our shores, causing a slowdown in growth and a dramatic increase in unemployment rates.
However, forever a strategic problem-solver, David saw the opportunities within the darkest of times.
“There is always opportunity – you just may have to look harder for it. The GFC presented us with well-educated overseas graduates applying for positions in Australia. It opened a whole new market for us and saw some outstanding talent join the Australian workforce that has propelled us all forward,” David explains.
Similarly, the Reddin Group’s vast experience in the mining sector during the ‘Mining Boom’ was another opportunity that David and his team took advantage of during this period.
“Again, it was a matter of using the local knowledge we had acquired and using it in a global context, but we had to think and move fast to take advantage of what was in front of us. This has been the key to remaining strong and successful for 40-years,” he says.
More recently
While we don’t want to have yet another COVID-19 conversation, we can’t reflect on the last 40-years without mentioning it. The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased job losses and economic uncertainty. However, the Australian government’s economic stimulus measures have helped cushion the pandemic’s impact on the job market, as did emerging technologies allowing large workforces to continue to operate remotely with millions of Australians working and learning from home.
“As the pandemic hit, we saw its impact on businesses and individuals firsthand. It was a challenging time for many, with job losses and economic uncertainty creating a lot of stress and anxiety. However, we also saw a lot of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. Our team worked closely with businesses and job seekers to help them navigate the challenges of the pandemic and find new opportunities. It was inspirational to see how people came together and supported each other during such a difficult time. Those who embraced technologies and found ways to pivot, not only continued to survive, they thrived in the most uncertain of times,” David says.
The Next 40: The Times they are a changin…
There are several predictions for the Australian job market in the next 40-years. One of the biggest trends is the rise of automation and artificial intelligence, which is expected to significantly impact the types of jobs available, the skills required to succeed in the workforce, while creating new roles entirely.
The ongoing impact of climate change is also expected to create new opportunities in areas such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. As always, the key to success in the job market will be the ability to stay agile and open.
Despite the fluctuations and changes in the Australian job market over the past 40-years, one thing remains constant: having the right recruitment partner. As businesses strive to adapt to changing economic conditions and the evolving job market, having a trusted advisor in your recruitment partner can help you stay ahead of the curve.
So, as we blow out the candles on our 40th birthday cake, we reflect on the years that have passed and acknowledge how proud we are to have weathered the storms and come out stronger on the other side.
“We may have been around for 40-years, but we are far from over the hill. Our best really is yet to come” – David Reddin.