The Wall Street Journal predicts that job cuts around the globe will continue into 2024. Many businesses scaled beyond their needs in COVID and did whatever was needed to remain operational during the COVID years. Now as the world emerges from COVID, businesses are retracting, downsizing, right sizing - whatever buzzword you choose, and with that comes the reduction in workforce. This activity is prompting a re-think of what roles are needed specifically in the business on a full time, part time or contract basis.

Growing businesses are thinking differently about how they can scale their business without having to grow the number of resources and balance sheets. In 2023, the gig economy approach creeped into professional roles such as cyber security and HR where professionals were offered a service similar to software as a service (SaaS). The “aaS” approach allows employers to allocate a set budget for a professional to undertake a range of tasks over a defined period without having to factor in on costs etc and take on the long term financial liability. While the safety profession typically files roles on a full time and part time basis and then short term contracts, I expect to see more safety as a service approach, particularly in businesses experiencing growth.

Links: Wall Street Journal , Cyber Security As A Service

Tip: Check out In Her Boots Chief Safety Officer As A Service and Melbourne Safety Co #yoursafetymate