2025 saw significant challenges for recruitment

National data shows that 51% of Australian employers were hiring, yet 45% reported difficulty filling roles,   with vacancies often remaining open for more than a month. Skills shortages were most pronounced in technology-related fields, including cybersecurity, cloud engineering, and data analytics, as well as administrative support roles that underpin government and project delivery.

Employers also faced changing workforce expectations.More than 80% of organisations plan to maintain or increase hybrid work, and flexibility has become a core part of compensation rather than a benefit.   These dynamics created uncertainty for both contractors and clients, making confidence and reliability more valuable than ever.

Whizdom360 insights: confidence in numbers

Whizdom focused on measurable outcomes to strengthen trust. Our September Whizdom360 surveys show the impact of that approach:

• 92% of contractors are willing to renew
• 86% report satisfaction in their current role
• 90% say their department supports work-life balance
• 98% of hiring managers confirm expectations were met
• 98% would re-engage their Whizdom contractor

These figures show that consistent engagement leads to fewer disruptions for clients and a smoother experience for contractors.

What contractors told us

“Contractor onboarding was most thorough of all the agencies I have worked with.” – Anthony

“This has been my first contracting role, and Whizdom has made it a seamless experience.” – Daniel

“Fabar my client service contact has been great, he continues to contact me on a regular basis, he genuinely cares about how things are going, he has been excellent, always contactable and he is also a very positive person, he is great to deal with, thank you Fabar!” – Paul

“Very happy with the service provided by Whizdom, excellent professional staff and always a pleasure to deal with.” – Kate

What clients told us

Clients expressed confidence in the contractors placed by Whizdom, praising exceptional performance, strong work ethic, and the ability to lift team morale. Many of our contractors have made a significant impact, earning recognition from senior leaders.

This feedback shows the importance of thorough screening to ensure a good match . When contractors fit from a cultural, technical and competence perspective, projects stay on track.

Making feedback count

Whizdom360 collects feedback at key points during a placement, giving us the chance to address issues early and improve outcomes. It gives contractors and clients a clear way to raise concerns quickly so we can act before they become problems. For clients, this means fewer disruptions and stronger project outcomes. For contractors, it means ongoing support beyond the initial placement.

Key milestones and industry recognition

Renewal intent has remained above 90 percent for two consecutive years, and hiring manager confidence continues to exceed expectations. In 2025, Whizdom launched a new website   designed to deliver a more intuitive experience for contractors and clients, helping them quickly access resources and stay informed.

Whizdom was also recognised as a finalist in the APSCo Australia Awards for Excellence in two categories: ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and Back Office Team of the Year. These achievements highlight the strength of our processes and values.

Our priorities for 2026

The past year highlighted the importance of listening and acting on feedback. Whizdom360 provided a clearer understanding of what matters most to contractors and clients, and it reinforced the value of consistent engagement throughout the placement.

In 2026, our focus will be on refining these processes. We plan to strengthen communication during assignments, invest in tools that make interaction easier, and support flexibility where it improves outcomes.

Recruitment will keep changing. Our focus is to stay responsive and keep trust at the centre of every interaction.