A word from Kate Mannix, CEO at AFS & Associates

While our lives are by no means back to pre-COVID times, so far this year has given us a taste of the ‘new normal’. Kids have returned to school, sports and dining are back and businesses are busy, all while facing new and somewhat unpredictable challenges.

While dealing with the impact of COVID-19, staff shortages and isolation requirements were some of the many roadblocks that businesses needed to manage to stay open.

Australian businesses of all types are facing difficulty filling positions and having to navigate recruitment processes in a whole new way.

Despite these challenges, there is an optimism that hasn’t wavered, even through the Omicron outbreak. It’s inspiring to see so many new businesses opening up, events being held, our clients thriving and Bendigo growing. We look forward to welcoming more of our team members back to the office next week as mask requirements change and the recommendation to work from home lifts. These changes will certainly boost our local economy with more movement around workplaces.