Psychosocial wellbeing to have the biggest impact on Australia’s resources workforce
The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA) released the latest instalment in its New Horizons – Thought Leadership Series, revealing critical insights into the megatrends transforming Australia’s resources and energy workforce.
The report, Evolution of Work: A Resources and Energy Industry Workforce, explores how shifting workforce expectations, rapid technological change and global demographic trends are redefining the sector’s employment landscape.
AREEA deputy chief executive Tara Diamond says the report provides both a warning and a roadmap.
“The world of work is transforming faster than ever before,” she said.
“This report highlights the opportunities our industry can seize — from enhanced productivity, wellbeing and innovation — while also addressing the challenges around cybersecurity, employee engagement, compliance and workforce capability.
“Importantly, Evolution of Work sets out the organisational and workforce skills our sector must develop to thrive in this period of transition.”
The report identifies four domains where workforce change is most visible:
- Work environments — flexibility, hybrid models, psychosocial wellbeing and sustainability.
- Management styles and culture — inclusive leadership, trust-based cultures and agile workplaces.
- Information and technology — AI, automation, VR/AR cloud systems and secure omnichannel.
- Talent management and workforce dynamics — continuous learning, career flexibility, global talent pools and generational shifts.
The report found that psychosocial wellbeing is predicted to have the biggest impact and currently has the highest capability gap for the industry. Other areas of high impact are learning and upskilling as well as equity, diversity and inclusion.
Positive impacts from evolving trends and transitions include enhanced wellbeing and engagement, increased innovation, efficiency, productivity, sustainability and cost savings, as well as improved talent attraction, diversity and inclusion.
As for negative impacts, the report identifies reduced collaboration, asynchronous communication challenges, employee engagement and retention difficulties, upskilling challenges and security risks.
The report also highlights organisational facilities required to thrive during shifts including robust change management and performance management systems, advanced technological infrastructure, supportive leadership and vision and a focus on employee support and wellbeing.
This is the fourth report in AREEA’s New Horizons – Thought Leadership Series, following previous volumes on demographic and generational change and leadership and megatrends.
“This research continues AREEA’s tradition of providing practical, evidence-based insights to support employers, employees and policymakers,” Ms Diamond said.
“Evolution of Work is more than a report — it’s a roadmap for leaders navigating the future of work with resilience, agility and foresight.”