The future of workplaces in Queensland | Trends, insights and impacts

The nature of work has been rapidly changing worldwide in recent years, with further motivations brought upon by the disruptions that came with the COVID-19 pandemic, sustainability and the unstable global economic horizons.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Queensland (CCIQ) launched the report, supported by the Australian Retirement Trust, to identify the emerging trends and impacts in Queensland’s future of work. We look at how workforces, workplaces and work lives are likely to change in the future, influenced by technological, generational and societal shifts.

More than 500 businesses took part in the survey, discussions and direct focus groups, contributing to rich insight into businesses state-wise. The report is a valuable asset aiming to help Queensland businesses strategically plan and prepare for the significant opportunities ahead for a profitable, sustainable and meaningful future.

Changing workplaces

A workplace is not just a place where people congregate – it is a dynamic ecosystem, which can help or hinder employees from utilising their skills to achieve business goals.

One of the most common changes in recent years for workplace worldwide is the shift towards flexible working arrangements, including virtual and remote work.

This also includes the rise of e-commerce, as customers and businesses seek new ways to communicate and transact with each other in a socially distancing world.

All these new virtual working tools extend the boundaries of the workplace, and give rise to new means of workplace management for businesses.

Information gathered in the Future of Work survey

The Future of Work survey sought to understand the top future workplace concerns for Queensland businesses.

Queensland businesses are concerned with digital engagement with their customers, with 61% indicating e-commerce will have moderate to critical impacts for their future workplace. They’ll need to develop e-commerce strategies to meet consumer and market demand long-term while adapting to emerging trends in the way they engage with customers.

“The grasping and understanding of e-Commerce is a huge area for growth. Whilst the market has changed unless an agent changes to reflect this they will be left behind. Investment in user interface technology is crucial for business today.” A real estate small business on the Gold Coast says.

For improvements in that sphere, technology needs to increase across the state. The most significant impact to workplace trends among Queensland businesses in the next five years is high speed internet accessibility. Over three quarters of Queensland businesses (76%) indicated the availability of high-speed connection at their workplace will have a moderate to critical impact on their future workplace.

“We are in the town boundary of a regional town of 6000 people and still do not have access to broadband other than fixed wireless. This is preventing us using many cloud-based software and cybersecurity options.” A small manufacturing business in Central Queensland says.

A lack of internet connectivity means businesses cannot do banking, process EFTPOS and e-commerce sales. Those tools are the roadblocks on which businesses rely to grow into the future.

Flexible working arrangements, as well as preference for enhanced remote working arrangements are the next major concerns for businesses.

For more details on the findings, and a deep dive into workplace, workforce and work-life insights including pain points and predicted needs, download the full report.