Labour Shortages a Barrier to WA Business Growth

Labour Shortages a Barrier to WA Business Growth

WA Businesses Are Struggling to Find Workers—And It’s Slowing Growth

If you own a business in Western Australia, chances are you’ve felt the pressure of trying to find skilled workers. You’re not alone—67% of WA businesses now say labour shortages are a barrier to their business growth, according to the latest CCIWA Business Confidence Survey.

For many industries, this isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a major roadblock to growth. Businesses across resources (78%), agriculture (74%), and health care (73%) are experiencing this challenge, with many struggling to fill roles. And while WA’s economy is performing well overall, the lack of available workers means companies are delaying projects, cutting hours, and stretching their existing teams thin to keep up.

We frequently hear these concerns in conversations with our business owner clients. Finding and keeping the right employees is becoming one of the most pressing challenges for WA businesses, with many struggling to balance rising costs, hiring delays, and staff retention issues.

Labour Shortages Are Driving Up Costs and Affecting Confidence

Labour shortages aren’t just about hiring delays—they’re also pushing up costs. With high competition for skilled workers, businesses have to offer bigger salaries, more benefits, and other incentives to secure staff. In industries like retail (85%), professional services (81%), and utilities (80%), finding workers is now one of the biggest challenges.

Adding to the challenge, WA’s housing shortage is making it even harder for businesses to attract talent from other regions. The CCIWA survey found that 28% of businesses see housing shortages as a major issue, especially in sectors like accommodation and food services (46%) and real estate (43%). Even when businesses can find the right talent, getting them to relocate is another challenge.

How to Stand Out: Building a Strong Employee Value Proposition (EVP)

In this hiring market, simply offering a good salary isn’t enough. Workers want more, and businesses that create a compelling Employee Value Proposition (EVP) are in a much stronger position to attract and keep great employees.

So, what sets a great workplace apart? A strong Employee Value Proposition (EVP) goes beyond salary—it’s about creating an environment where people want to stay and grow. It’s about what makes your business a great place to work, beyond just pay. Some key elements include:

• Career Growth Opportunities – Employees want to know they can advance in their careers. Offering clear development pathways can set you apart.
• Work-Life Balance – These days, flexibility is key. Remote work, mental health support, and adaptable hours can be a game-changer.
• Company Culture – A workplace that values inclusivity, engagement, and purpose attracts top talent.
• Meaningful Benefits – Competitive salaries are important, but so are things like wellness programs, performance incentives, and additional leave options.

If you don’t have a clear EVP yet, now’s the time to build one. It could be the key to keeping your best people and attracting the right talent.

What’s Next for WA Businesses?

Labour shortages aren’t just a short-term issue. Businesses that take a strategic approach to workforce planning today will be the ones thriving tomorrow.

By focusing on what makes your business a great place to work and strengthening employee retention strategies, business owners can build teams that support long-term success.

If hiring has become a struggle, now is the time to rethink your approach. A strong EVP and smart talent strategies can make all the difference in attracting and retaining top talent.