Home topics news Credit: Arlington Research News News Australian employers step up to help staff navigate high cost of living Yajush Gupta February 22, 2023 According to a recent independent study conducted by specialised recruiter Robert Half, many employers acknowledge the challenges their employees face in keeping up with the pressures of inflation and the rising cost of living in 2023. The study found that a significant proportion of employers, almost nine in ten (89 per cent), have taken proactive measures to support their employees during these uncertain times. One of the most common steps taken by employers to mitigate the impact of the rising cost of living on their staff is the provision of permanent pay raises. More than half of the employers surveyed (53 per cent) reported offering their employees a permanent pay rise. This move serves to alleviate some of the financial pressures on employees and help them keep up with the rising cost of living. Additionally, the study found that other measures taken by employers included providing additional benefits and perks to their employees, such as flexible working arrangements, enhanced health and wellbeing programs, and more generous leave entitlements. By offering these additional benefits, employers hope to ease the financial strain on their employees and support their overall wellbeing. To help employees cope with rising costs, employers are predominantly offering non-financial assistance, such as expanding remote work options to reduce travel expenses (57 per cent) and providing mental health support (55 per cent). Working remotely can