Based on a number of discussions I have had with employers recently, it almost appears as though the consensus is that the employment of interstate migrants does not work in Tasmania. Below are some of the comments I have received recently.
- They expect relocation assistance
- They don't understand the culture of Tasmanian workplaces
- There is too high a risk of attrition
- They come here expecting us to change to the way they want to do things
- I will only employ someone from interstate if they have moved to Tasmania first
- They only move to Tasmania for the lifestyle and then think they don't have to work hard
- They have to come here for the job first and then the lifestyle, otherwise they are lazy
- They are arrogant
- I would prefer to poach someone from my competitor before I employ someone from interstate
- I would prefer to employ a local of lower skills than someone from interstate
I must admit, I have been shocked. What are your thoughts?
2 comments:
It doesn't really shock me Lisa. I have heard those statements a number of times over many years, so I actually expect that attitude to prevail, and if it DOESN'T, then I really am shocked! Sad, but true.
I have spoken to many ex-mainland employers who have exhibited this very attitude too, so it's not just Tasmanian born and bred people.
I empathise, because when you follow up with questions as to the background to these statements, you may well find that a person has a valid reason for having this attitude however it doesn't help us in our current climate.
I'd love to say I think there's a magic solution to this prevailing attitude, but I've made many suggestions to employers in the past as to widening their spheres in that regard, all to no avail.
Remember there were a few at last years forum who mentioned the relocation assistance issue?
It's obvious we Tasmanians are blinded by parochialism. Having said that, I have seen many interstaters who have done the general cause no good at all by adopting exactly that attitude as mentioned - the 'I'm from the mainland and obviously the way you're doing xxx is so backward and inefficient to the way we've done it in xxx for the past 10 years'.
There should be a handbook produced for all migrants to Tas explaining in plain language (as opposed to pc language) exactly how the 'system' (and state) really works; how to succeed here; who the power really lies with; who the major players are; how NOT to act if you want to blend in etc! I'm being silly, but would dearly love to see general attitudes change, and mainlanders embraced for the skills and knowledge they do bring, and value-add, to our tiny island community!
Helen
Well this explains a lot, my husband and I have been trying to move to Tasmania for a few months now, and my husband has been getting nowhere when it comes to inquiring about jobs, and when he does find an employer that is interested they are only offering part time work, which is no good for us.
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