JOBS NEWS: New on the US jobs market is the title of “ESG controller”. That’s if you look at what’s been appearing on the payrolls of more than 50 Fortune 100 companies over the past two years.
According to Greenbiz the role seems to take its cue from “financial controllers” who manage financial disclosures, while ESG controllers oversee data systems and processes that underpin sustainability-related disclosures to regulatory bodies.
Having an ESG controller can prevent a company from “green hushing” its ESG achievements while helping its organisation get on top of its ESG obligations, the publication says.
And speaking of jobs, but this time in the Australian property world Avdiev group released its regular salary survey last week.
Debra Moloney, principal of the remuneration consultants, had a positive note to share. Property employers are hoping that the “worst may be behind them, as the significant labour shortages and pay pressures of recent years appear to be stabilising at last,” she said.
Ms Moloney said the markets were perceived as stablising along with expectations that rates might soon be cut. Though on Tuesday the Reserve Bank of Australia said, no – and kept the rates stable
However, there was a sharp drop in the number of companies that said they were performing well – 25 per cent compared with 47 per cent six months ago.
Staffing problems continued to be the biggest challenges reported, she said with nearly half of respondents saying they struggled to keep up with demands for pay rises.
Pay rates were up 4.7 per cent for the year to February – but it was down from the previous period that showed a 5 per cent rise.
Incentives were on the up – through performance-linked incentives and more staff development opportunities, and greater workplace flexibility. Only 25 per cent of property firms have returned to pre- pandemic ways of working.
Other key findings included:
- property sector wage rises moderated to 4.7 per cent yet continue to outpace the general workforce (4.2 per cent)
- 44 per cent of property companies admit to difficulties keeping up with staff demands for pay rises
- pay increases in 2024 are planned for 93 per cent of businesses.
- minimal pay rises are expected for 30 per cent of businesses in 2024, while 15 per cent expect higher increases to catch up to the market level
- 25 per cent of companies continue to face recruitment difficulties amid easing labour shortages
- one in four property companies report performing “well” in 2023, significantly down on six months earlier
- 53 per cent expect little to no change in operating conditions in 2024
Only 25 per cent of companies have returned to pre-pandemic work arrangements, with hybrid working the “new norm”.
In other jobs news…
Michelle Isles is the new chief executive for the Climate and Health Alliance has appointed The organisation advocates for climate action and sustainable health, representing more than 100 health and medical groups, academic and research institutions, healthcare providers, and unions.
Prior to her new role, Isles was the senior advisor of new energy development at the Gippsland Climate Change Network and currently serves as the board chair of the Energy Innovation Co-operative. She has also served several roles in sustainability, health, First Nations advocacy and energy over the last 20 years.
DJAS Architecture has appointed Catherine Carter as its interim chief executive. The firm said that Carter who has run the Salon Canberra event series was a respected and influential figure in the Australian property industry and was recognised for her contributions to the built environment and deep understanding of design and urban development.
She is also an adjunct professor at the Faculty of Arts and Design at the University of Canberra. Her portfolio also includes appointments to government and industry boards.
Powerhouse Parramatta has announced the two recipients of its 2024 Galang Residency program, which supports Australian First Nations creative practitioners through two intensive three month residencies in Paris. Recipients are:
- Jack Gillmer: an architect who explores Country as the driving narrative of his design practice. He is interested in forging connections between cultural knowledge systems and the built environment
- Jody Rallah: an artist from Meanjin/Brisbane. She uses various mediums and practices across object making and painting, sculptural installation, facades and thoroughfares, soundscapes, and collaborative intergenerational approaches.
Northrop Consulting Engineers has promoted Russ Ross to national sustainability section manager. Ross was previously the national sustainability lead for six months before his promotion.
Before this gig, Ross had been in a number of sustainability leadership related roles, such as ANZ sustainability practice leader for infrastructure consulting firm AECOM and being an associate director and associate sustainability consultant for ADP.