iscover 81% of SMEs expect to be operating at pre-pandemic levels within 6 months
BusinessNew research by Intuit Quickbooks has highlighted a strong level of optimism from Australia’s SME community, with the vast majority expecting to be operating at pre-pandemic levels within the next six months.
Findings from Intuit Quickbooks Back to Business research have been released this week, indicating that 81 per cent of those surveyed are confident they will return to pre-pandemic levels within this time frame.
“Aussie small businesses have done it tough over the course of the pandemic, especially those in Melbourne who endured the longest lockdown in the world. We’re thrilled to see the economy starting to recover, and to hear that small businesses feel hopeful about the future,” Lars Leber, vice-president and country manager at Intuit QuickBooks Australia said.
The research also shed light on efforts being made towards vaccination rates.
According to the findings, mandating vaccines and supporting the vaccination efforts is the top priority for 47 per cent of Australian small businesses surveyed. Following this, were the opening of domestic and international borders (44 per cent), ongoing grants programs (30 per cent), networking opportunities (22 per cent) and training opportunities (21 per cent).
“When asked what support small businesses would like to see from their local community, more than half (55 per cent) said their number one ask of Australians was to get vaccinated. Returning to favourite local small businesses was a close second (51 per cent),” the research noted.
Meanwhile, 58 per cent of respondents said mental health, the wellbeing of employees and work/life balance were their most important focuses.
“We’ve seen a notable shift in small businesses prioritising the health and wellbeing of their employees, showing how the pandemic has made everyone reconsider what’s most important,” Mr Leber said.
“They still need the support of the government and Aussie consumers and want to see continued vaccine uptake.”
Emma Musgrave
Emma Ryan is the deputy head of content at Momentum Media and editor of the company's legal publication, Lawyers Weekly.
Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015 and has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia. In addition, she has produced exclusive multimedia and event content related to the company's respective brands and audiences.
A journalist by training, Emma has spent her career connecting with key industry stakeholders across a variety of platforms, including online, podcast and radio. She graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism).
