Women of the West End of Year Newsletter
December 11, 2023

It’s a Wrap!

Another year has flown by ever so quickly. They seem to get faster and faster each year!

 

To start, let us recap some of our highlights from 2023.


Our first webinar was on the important topic of Diversity with James Hare, and then we welcomed Alex Terry with another thought-provoking webinar on Conscious Leadership. Our biggest highlight of the year would have to be our live event “10 Seconds of Courage” with the incredible Nadine Champion. The energy in the room that day was inspiring. 


A group of people are sitting in front of a projector screen.

We also welcomed our charity partner, The Australian Skin Cancer Foundation. Many of us were moved by Jay's story of survival and it was fantastic to be able to raise some much-needed funds for the foundation during our live event.

 

The Australian Skin Cancer Foundation’s documentary “Jays Mission Melanoma Walk” was aired on Channel 10 earlier this year – you can still catch it on 10play if you missed out, it is worth a watch! If you would like to be involved or donate in any way to the foundation, you can get in touch via their website. https://www.australianskincancerfoundation.org/


This year has been a busy one, as we continue to deal with the "Covid Hangover" and navigate hybrid working arrangements, transitioning back to the office, and economic challenges that we face in both business and in our personal lives.

 

I would say thank you to all that have been a part of our wonderful Women (and men) of the West group throughout the year. Our speakers, our webinar attendees, our members who have contributed to our newsletters and those that attended our live event, this little network wouldn’t be what it is today without all of you.


HR wrap up from Ashlee Bruce

People Culture and Performance Executive | LSI & GSI Accredited


A woman in a black jacket is smiling for the camera.

As we bid farewell to 2023, a year marked by dynamic shifts in the workforce, job market, and economic landscape, it's crucial to reflect on the challenges and transformations that have shaped the professional landscape. In many ways, the echoes of the initial waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, almost three years ago, are still impacting on how we do business.

 

The year unfolded as a period of business rebase lining, with organisations recalibrating their strategies and employees and candidates redefining their preferences in the evolving market. Financially, 2023 presented significant challenges for both Australians and businesses alike, as the cost of living soared to unprecedented levels. The pressure to deliver results in such a high-stakes environment intensified, creating an atmosphere where resources crucial for driving success might be withheld in pursuit of cost savings, initiating a challenging cycle for businesses.


This financial stringent saw a surge in redundancies. In the previous years, businesses had been willing to pay a premium for top-tier candidates in a job market that favoured them. Fast forward to 2023, and economic impacts necessitated tightening purse strings, leading to a spike in organisational restructures, particularly in the latter part of the year. Conversations with those directly affected revealed a common sentiment – that these decisions seemed like knee-jerk reactions driven by the desire for improved financial outcomes.


The debate around the return to physical offices, and what hybrid working looks like dominated discussions throughout the year. Articles circulated, advocating for both the continuation of hybrid working and the perceived productivity benefits of being in the office. This created misalignment between some organisational expectations and the desires of team members and candidates. This misalignment, coupled with the pressure to perform, proved to be an unnecessary distraction from the core responsibilities of the job. As we transition into the new year, the conversation around remote work versus office presence is likely to persist, influencing hiring decisions and impacting the satisfaction of employees.


For candidates navigating this complex landscape, the challenges extended beyond workplace structure to include role misalignments and ambiguous interpretations of flexibility. The term "flexibility" became a source of confusion, with differing expectations between employers and candidates. This lack of clarity hindered successful job matches and further complicated the professional journey.


As we look forward to 2024, it is imperative for employees and candidates to define their non-negotiables. Whether it is hybrid working arrangements, a specific salary, or industry preferences, understanding these preferences and being patient is key. The market may not see significant changes in the short term, and the pressure on businesses to perform is likely to persist. However, individuals hold the power to shape their career narratives. Knowing your non-negotiables and understanding where flexibility is possible will contribute to making informed, long-term career decisions that foster happiness and satisfaction in the workplace.

 

Businesses, too, must engage in meticulous planning. The world has undergone transformational changes, and so have team members and their expectations. Aligning decisions with mission and vision is paramount. Every strategic move made by businesses should be anchored to a clear understanding of their purpose, ensuring a cohesive and adaptive approach to the evolving professional landscape. 


Festive recipe

A recipe for a 3 ingredient christmas cake

Final Note

Whilst Christmas can be a wonderful time of the year for many, for others Christmas can be a lonely and challenging time. If you or anyone you know are finding the Christmas season difficult, we encourage you to navigate to the Black Dog Institute website for some incredible resources or call Lifeline on 13 11 14, available 24/7.

 

On behalf of the whole Veritas Recruitment family, we thank you for your support and wish you and your family an incredibly happy healthy and safe festive season.

 

We very much look forward to partnering with you in 2024!

A group of people standing next to each other in front of a christmas card.

Keryn Drew
Associate Director


Tune into our socials and join our Women of the West LinkedIn group to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements!

By Urszula Lusk March 27, 2025
In this reflective article, we explore the challenges of unapologetically owning your achievements, overcoming self-doubt, and silencing the inner critic. Learn how shifting focus to self-belief and meaningful impact can help you rise above negativity and keep shining—without apology.
Elements Recruitment team casually talking with each other.
By Urszula Lusk March 13, 2025
We’re excited to share with you an announcement that the Veritas NSW business has rebranded to Elements Recruitment. This change isn’t just about a new name; it’s a reflection of our evolution and commitment to staying at the forefront in a constantly shifting industry. We wanted our brand to align with who we are today while embracing the innovation that has become a core part of our journey. A Journey of Growth and Transformation When we launched Veritas Recruitment 15 years ago, our focus, approach, and identity were worlds apart from where they sit now. Over the years, we have honed our expertise, embraced technology & innovation, and actively embraced our industry’s transformation. Our new name, brand, colours and logo represents this journey and align with the values that we uphold today. A modern, strategic, and deeply connected approach to the elements of recruitment, talent management, and career development. Independence and Growth We’re excited to take full ownership of our journey as a business centered by its geography in Western Sydney. Rebranding to Elements Recruitment allows us to build an identity which is uniquely ours and reflects the strength, agility and expertise we bring to the recruitment space. Change enables us to take full control of our brand, messaging and strategic direction in a way which suits where and who we are. We have the freedom to innovate, automate and create new and bespoke solutions whilst maintaining the human eye which sets us apart. What This Means for Our Clients and Partners While our name and visual identity have changed in NSW our partnership with the Veritas Melbourne teams remains strong. Both Victorian offices will continue to operate under the Veritas Brand and our 3 offices will continue to operate with a national presence. We will continue sharing expertise and resources, learning from each other and ensuring seamless collaboration and continuity for our candidates and clients. From an operational standpoint, there will be no disruption, our ABN and ACN remain the same. Why Elements? It Reflects Our Values Recruitment is more than just filling roles—it’s about bringing together the right elements to help careers, teams and businesses thrive. Our new name represents the critical role we play in shaping long-term success through strategic recruitment and selection. Inspired by Nature and Growth Much like the natural elements work in harmony to create balance, so do the key aspects of our work. Careers flourish through a mix of progress, endurance, evolution, and sustainability and these are values we integrate into every partnership. It Represents the Stages of Careers and Recruitment Every career and recruitment process consists of distinct elements—learning, growth, challenge, and success. In recruitment, these elements manifest through strategy, search, selection, and placement. Our role is to bring them together to create meaningful connections and drive change. A Name That Evolves with You Just as businesses and careers continue to evolve, Elements Recruitment represents our commitment to adaptability, innovation, and staying ahead in the ever-changing world of work. Why a Circle? A rebrand goes beyond a name, it’s a visual identity that represents our ethos. Our new logo, an unbroken loop, symbolises wholeness, unity, and balance, reflecting the continuous flow of change in careers and business. This shape, paired with our rich green colour palette, is inspired by nature—a nod to our personal passion for the mountains, oceans and outdoors and the elements that fuel our mindset and approach to work. A circle also represents completion and harmony, much like the recruitment process, where every step - skills, culture, aspirations, and strategy needs to align seamlessly for long-term success. A circle is fluid and infinite, mirroring the ever-evolving nature of businesses, careers, and professional growth. It symbolises the connections we create and the ongoing support provided to clients, candidates and each other during our journeys. We continue to remain dedicated to creating lasting connections, delivering innovative solutions, and providing unwavering support to both clients and candidates as they navigate their careers. We’re excited for this new chapter and look forward to continuing our journey with you and being able to nurture every element of your career, team, business and growth.
A man is pressing a button on a virtual screen.
March 1, 2025
Thinking about a new career? Or simply looking to plan out your professional development and keep your skills sharp for an evolving job marketplace?