MEDIA RELEASE
January 28, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Australian Workers Reveal:
Over Half of Australian Companies are Understaffed
58% of female employees feel the company they work for is understaffed and workers are underemployed as
a result of the GFC, according to a poll of 431 women by The Heat Group.
The younger generation – aged under 25 – are most affected with 77% stating they are working in an
understaffed environment. Across the board, over 50% of women in the workforce state their job description
has increased as a result.
More worryingly, 78% of those under 25 believe they could be made redundant if they don’t perform these
additional tasks.
Over 56% of employees state that understaffing and underemployment is significantly affecting the productivity
and success of the company.
“Employers really need to start looking at the bigger picture. While reducing staff may be of benefit in
the short term, this can be detrimental to the productivity and future success of your business,” says
Heat Managing Director, Gillian Franklin.
Underemployment refers to workers who are employed, but are available and want more hours at their current
place of work. This can refer to both part-time and full-time employees. According to the Australian Bureau of
Statistics the number of underemployed workers contributes to underutilised labour resources.
“Employees who are underemployed and overworked cannot work to their full potential. As a result
companies will often see a decline in staff morality, even in staff retention rates,” says Franklin.
For further information or to interview Gillian Franklin, please contact:
Elisa Tubecki
PR Manager
The Heat Group
T – (03) 8545 7191
M – 0437 457 611
E – elisat@heatgroup.com.au
The Heat Group distributes leading cosmetic and accessory brands, Max Factor, COVERGIRL, Bourjois, Ulta3 and Elite
and is recognised as one of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurial companies. Founded in 2000, Heat prides itself
on its unique company culture and sums this up in four words given to it by the Heat team: creative, dynamic, passionate,
NEWS 
