At Sundstrom Recruitment, we recently surveyed employers across Australia to understand how they’re navigating the changing Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) landscape. The findings reveal a market full of opportunity – but also one facing significant pressure from skills shortages, rising salaries, and increasing complexity. Here is the full survey.

Demand Is Outpacing Supply

Most organisations told us they plan to increase their HSEQ headcount in 2025, signalling sustained investment in safety, environmental, and quality roles. However, this demand is colliding with a shrinking pool of qualified candidates.

Over 60% of respondents said the current talent pool only “mostly” meets their needs – often requiring compromises on skills or experience. Many cited difficulties finding professionals with the right blend of technical expertise, communication ability, and commercial awareness.

The message is clear: the challenge isn’t finding people, it’s finding the right people.

Rising Costs, Shifting Expectations

Employers also recognised that salary pressures are real and rising. Nearly two-thirds of organisations said they may need to offer higher remuneration to secure top talent – though most are taking a selective approach, rewarding exceptional candidates rather than inflating pay across the board.

This reflects a more strategic mindset: investing in individuals who bring value, adaptability, and cultural fit, rather than simply matching market rates.

At the same time, external pressures – from client expectations to compliance demands – are forcing companies to rethink how they structure and support HSEQ functions. Efficiency, digital systems, and leadership buy-in are becoming as critical as technical competence.

The Skills Gap Is Widening

When asked what’s missing in today’s HSEQ workforce, employers pointed to three recurring gaps:

• Practical field experience – professionals who understand on-the-ground realities.
• Communication and people skills – the ability to influence and lead, not just enforce.
• Commercial and audit readiness – blending compliance with operational pragmatism.

This combination of hard and soft skill shortages means employers are seeking more “well-rounded” professionals – those who can connect safety with business outcomes and culture.

Key Concerns for 2025

Across all industries, employers identified the same major challenges shaping the year ahead:

• Skills shortages and experience gaps
• Compliance and regulatory complexity
• Cultural alignment and leadership engagement
• Rising costs and wage expectations

These factors are forcing many organisations to revisit their HSEQ strategies, focusing not only on filling vacancies but on building long-term capability and retention.

What This Means for Employers

The findings paint a picture of an HSEQ market that’s mature, essential, and evolving fast. To stay competitive, employers will need to:

• Invest in leadership and development pathways for existing teams.
• Revisit remuneration and flexibility to match shifting candidate priorities.
• Strengthen employer branding and communication to attract the best professionals.

As the HSEQ function continues to grow in strategic importance, the organisations that adapt first will attract – and retain – the talent that sets them apart.