SEEK’s latest Talent Acquisition Insights Report 2026 offers a snapshot of how Australia’s hiring landscape is evolving. While the report spans all industries, many of its findings have direct implications for organisations recruiting work health and safety (WHS) professionals.

From AI-generated applications to changing candidate expectations, here’s what safety employers should know in hiring safety professionals.

Hiring has changed. Safety recruitment has changed with it.

The role of a safety professional has evolved significantly over the past few years.

Today’s WHS leaders are expected to influence organisational culture, guide operational decision-making, manage psychosocial risks and help organisations navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Finding the right person has always required more than matching a resume to a position description.

Now, new research from SEEK suggests the hiring landscape is shifting again.

According to SEEK’s Talent Acquisition Insights Report 2026, AI is changing how candidates apply for jobs, workers are becoming more cautious about changing employers, and hiring teams are finding it harder to identify genuine capability among increasingly polished applications.

For organisations hiring safety professionals, these aren’t future trends. They’re already shaping recruitment today.

Safety professionals are becoming more selective

SEEK’s latest data suggests Australia’s workforce is becoming increasingly cautious about changing jobs.

While 46% of Australians are keeping an eye on the job market and 29% are actively searching for new opportunities, almost one in three (29%) say they’re hesitant to switch jobs because of the current economic climate.

At the same time, 24% of candidates are job hunting because they want greater job security, up 15% since 2023.

This reflects what we’re seeing across the WHS market.

Many experienced safety professionals aren’t actively applying for every opportunity. Instead, they’re carefully assessing whether a move offers greater stability, stronger leadership support and meaningful career progression.

Salary remains important, but candidates are increasingly asking questions like:

• Will leadership genuinely support safety?
• Will I have the opportunity to influence change?
• Is safety embedded in the organisation’s culture?
• Can I build a long-term career here?

For employers, attracting top safety talent starts long before the interview process.

AI is changing recruitment, but human judgement matters more than ever

Artificial intelligence is becoming a standard part of recruitment.

SEEK found that 17% of candidates are already using AI to prepare resumes, cover letters or interview responses, with usage increasing to 31% among higher-income professionals.

While AI can improve the presentation of an application, it also creates new challenges for employers.

According to the report:

• 81% of hirers are concerned candidates may misrepresent their experience or skills using AI.
• 74% worry candidates are applying without genuine interest in the role.
• 39% say it’s taking longer to hire for comparable positions than it did two years ago.

For specialist safety roles, these findings reinforce an important point.

Technical knowledge can often be demonstrated on paper. Leadership, communication, influence and sound judgement cannot.

The best WHS professionals are defined by how they engage with people, influence decision-makers and build a positive safety culture. Those qualities still require meaningful conversations, behavioural interviews and thorough reference checks.

Candidates want more than just a higher salary

Remuneration continues to be a major driver of career decisions, but it isn’t the whole story.

SEEK found that while 76% of Australians believe they’re paid fairly, only 49% say they’re actually satisfied with their salary.

When organisations can’t compete on salary alone, candidates increasingly value time and flexibility.

The report found:

• 41% would prefer additional annual leave
• 29% value reduced working hours
• 28% would choose a monthly Rostered Day Off (RDO)
• 26% prioritise flexible working arrangements

For safety professionals balancing site responsibilities, travel and operational demands, these benefits can make one opportunity stand out from another.

A strong employee value proposition isn’t built solely around remuneration. It’s also about creating an environment where safety professionals feel supported, trusted and empowered to do their best work.

Your employer brand matters more than ever

Today’s candidates do far more research before applying for a role.

SEEK found that candidates are increasingly influenced by authentic insights into an organisation, with:

• 66% valuing company reviews
• 44% influenced by employee-generated content
• 43% reading company-published articles
• 38% watching company culture videos

For employers hiring WHS professionals, this presents an opportunity.

Safety leaders want to understand what it’s really like to work for an organisation. They want evidence that leadership genuinely values safety, employees feel supported and continuous improvement is more than just a statement on a careers page.

Authenticity has become a competitive advantage.

What this means for safety employers

The latest SEEK data reinforces something we’ve long observed in the safety recruitment market.

Technology is changing recruitment, but people remain at the centre of great hiring.

Experienced safety professionals aren’t simply looking for their next role. They’re looking for organisations where they can influence culture, build safer workplaces and contribute to long-term business success.

For employers, that means recruitment is no longer just about filling vacancies.

It’s about creating a compelling employee value proposition, delivering a positive candidate experience and demonstrating that safety is genuinely valued throughout the organisation.

The organisations that do this well will be best positioned to attract and retain the safety talent they need in an increasingly competitive market.

How Safety People can help

For more than 25 years, Safety People has specialised exclusively in health and safety recruitment across Australia.

We understand what organisations need from today’s safety professionals, and what experienced candidates are looking for in their next opportunity.

Whether you’re growing your safety team or looking for your next WHS leader, our specialist recruiters can help connect the right people with the right organisations.

Contact us today to learn more at [email protected] or Call 1300 28 00 68.