
As we approach the early months of 2025, the Australian job market is beginning to show significant signs of recovery and transformation after a notably quiet 12-18 months. A key indicator of this change is the noticeable uptick in change management advertisements across major cities like Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Sydney. After a period of austerity where businesses focused on “doing more with less,” this shift represents a hopeful transition into more dynamic business environments. It signals that organisations are gearing up for growth, restructuring, or adapting to new challenges ahead.
A Positive Outlook: Job Market Activity and Hiring Intentions
Job postings on platforms such as LinkedIn further underline this resurgence, with an increased number of “Starting a New Position” announcements. This is an encouraging sign, as it reflects a more active job market and suggests that employees are moving around, potentially creating openings in their previous roles.
In my previous observations in October, I noted a period of stagnation, where organisations were reluctant to invest in infrastructure, AI, or human capital. During this time, businesses were tightening their belts, often resorting to layoffs and adopting a “survival mode” mentality to preserve their bottom lines. While the focus was on cost-cutting and efficiency, the resulting pressure on staff and operations was palpable. However, with signs of change management campaigns ramping up, organisations appear to be shifting towards more sustainable models of growth.
Merger and Acquisition Activity
Another notable trend is the increased activity in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). This often occurs during periods of business recalibration or when organisations see strategic value in consolidating their positions. M&As can significantly reshape industries, create new opportunities for skilled professionals, and pave the way for future market growth.
Global and Australian Hiring Trends
Globally, the forecast for hiring remains optimistic. According to recent reports by a global recruitment firm, 41% of global employers plan to add headcount in the first quarter of 2025. In Australia, the figures are similarly promising, with 31% of employers intending to expand their workforce in the first three months of the year. This is a clear indication that businesses anticipate a recovery phase, potentially signalling a return to expansion and innovation.
However, it’s important to note that these figures represent hiring intentions, and much can change based on broader economic and geopolitical factors. While hiring intentions are positive, the actual pace of hiring will depend on how businesses navigate challenges in the coming months.
Sector Insights: IT is the Standout
From a sectoral perspective, the Information Technology (IT) sector stands out as Australia’s most competitive sector for employment in 2025. As businesses increasingly prioritise digital transformation, AI, and automation, IT professionals will continue to be in high demand. This trend is further supported by the broader global focus on tech innovation and infrastructure investment. These technological transformations also require experienced Change Managers, which could explain the early surge in change management job postings as we enter January.
What’s Ahead: The Forecast for 2025
Looking ahead to the first quarter of 2025, almost half (48%) of Australian organisations plan to maintain their headcount, while 18% foresee a reduction in staff numbers. The remaining 3% are unsure of their staffing plans, reflecting the uncertainty that still exists in the business environment.
While some industries, particularly IT, are poised for growth, others will face challenges. The business environment remains fluid, and hiring trends will depend largely on organisations’ ability to adapt to market demands and economic conditions. Companies will likely continue to focus on change management, digital transformation, and operational efficiency as they look to capitalise on new opportunities and navigate the complexities of the post-pandemic economy.
Conclusion
In summary, the Australian job market for 2025 shows positive momentum, with signs of recovery and increased hiring intentions. The outlook is brighter than it has been in the past 18 months, with IT leading the charge as Australia’s most competitive sector. The rise of change management advertisements and the active job market signal that organisations are investing in their future. I hope this provides insight into what I am reading, hearing, and seeing in the Change Management landscape—and offers some optimism that things are poised to improve as we move into 2025.