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LEADERSHIP REIMAGINED WHITEPAPER | 13 Way昀椀nding for the future of work For many people, the COVID-19 pandemic changed how they think about work and their priorities. People also reported more mental stress, with workers being almost twice as likely to report 16 feeling mental stress than they were before the pandemic began . Now, employees have begun to place more emphasis on wellbeing and work–life balance. In fact, 48% of Australians indicated in a recent Randstad survey that they would quit a job if it prevented 17 them from enjoying their life . How we work has changed, too, with the rise of virtual and hybrid workplaces. Many employees 18 are enjoying having more flexibility around where and when they do their work . However, organisations have raised concerns about the productivity and cultural impacts of virtual and 19 hybrid working . 20. Due to these profound shifts, many Australians have already changed jobs or are considering it Compounded by a skills shortage not experienced in Australia since the 1960s21, retaining talent has become more challenging. In this environment, what can leaders do to retain staff while unleashing the full potential of their teams? Finding answers is critical for both organisations and employees to thrive in the future of work. Before discussing solutions, though, let’s explore the problem further and learn more about what employees want. 16 2023 State of the Future of Work, 2023, Work Futures Hallmark Research Initiative - The University of Melbourne 17 Workmonitor 2023, 2023, Randstad 18 NAB Behavioural Insights – The Changing Workplace (Q2 2023), 2023, NAB 19 NAB Behavioural Insights – The Changing Workplace (Q2 2023), 2023, NAB 20 NAB Behavioural Insights – The Changing Workplace (Q2 2023), 2023, NAB 21 National Press Club Address: Toward a National Jobs and Skills Roadmap, 2023, Professor Peter Dawkins