Global disruption and staff shortages: Time to look at overlooked resources

During the recent federal election in Australia, the electoral commission was faced with a unique issue, one they had not faced before, a lack of staff. This was particularly true in regional centres. As a result, electors in some remote areas were probably denied the right to vote. This example of how the global disruption has affected the capacity of organisations to recruit staff when they need it is just one of many instances and we have probably all seen and heard of businesses closing or limiting their services simply because they don’t have staff. While not being able to visit your favourite café or get your hair cut are inconveniences and first world problems, more critical shortages in health and community care, transport and education cannot be ignored.