7 Ways to Hire and Keep Great Staff in a Tight Adelaide Job Market

Ben, a retail business owner in Burnside lost two staff members within weeks and was struggling to fill the roles. The applications were few, and the ones he did get weren’t quite the right fit. Does this sound familiar?

Across Adelaide — and especially in the eastern suburbs — small business owners are finding it harder to recruit and retain the right people. With low unemployment, rising wage expectations, and a competitive labour market, attracting quality candidates is only half the battle. Keeping them is just as critical.

Whether you’re hiring your first employee or looking to strengthen your existing team, here’s how to stand out and keep great people on board — even if you can’t offer the biggest pay packet.

1. Lead With Purpose, Not Just Pay

More and more, workers — especially younger ones — are looking for meaningful roles where they feel valued.

Tip: Highlight your business’ story, values, and impact. Whether you support local producers, reduce waste, or champion flexible work, make it known. Jobseekers want to work somewhere that aligns with their values and when it does, they are more likely to stick around.

2. Be Clear and Competitive in Your Job Ads

A vague job ad won’t cut it. Be upfront about pay, hours, expectations, and growth opportunities. And if you can offer flexibility, say so — it’s often just as important as salary.

Tip: Use simple language, include your business personality, and keep the application process short. Tools like [Seek](https://www.seek.com.au/), [Indeed](https://au.indeed.com/), and [Sidekicker](https://sidekicker.com/au) can help reach local candidates.

3. Make the First Week Count

Onboarding should be structured rather than an afterthought. Plan it out and make a great first impression. This can help employees find their way around the business quickly, reduce the need to micromanage and can make the difference between someone staying or leaving.

Tip: Introduce them to the team, set up their workspace, assign a buddy, and give a checklist for their first few days. Schedule a check-in at the end of the week to see how they’re settling in.

4. Offer Flexibility Where You Can

Flexible hours, part-time roles, or remote work options are more attractive than ever — especially for parents, students, or career changers.

Tip: Even small tweaks (e.g., shifting start times, offering split shifts) can broaden your candidate pool and keep your team happier long-term.

5. Reward Loyalty and Celebrate Wins

Staff often stay where they feel seen. You don’t need a big budget to show appreciation.

Tip: A $20 coffee voucher, handwritten thank-you note, or team lunch can go a long way. Celebrate milestones (e.g. 1 year with the business) and ask staff what they value.

6. Grow Your Own Talent

If you can’t find the “perfect fit,” consider investing in a good cultural fit and building up their skills. Skills can often be taught and learned. Finding someone with the right attitude can often be harder.

Tip: Partner with local training providers (e.g. TAFEs, unis) or offer your staff microlearning through platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning.

7. Use Your Local Network

Job boards work — but so do word-of-mouth referrals, community noticeboards, and local Facebook groups.

Tip: Let your customers, peers, and suppliers know you’re hiring. People love recommending good talent, especially if they’re invested in your success.

Final Word

Hiring and retaining great staff in Adelaide’s current job market takes intention — but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small businesses actually have a big advantage: you can offer culture, flexibility, and meaningful work in ways big corporations often can’t.

Want personalised advice on hiring, onboarding, or staff retention?

If you’re unsure how to pitch the role or align it with your business goals, it can be helpful to speak with someone experienced in recruitment or employer branding. In the Eastern Business Advisory program, advisors like Fiona Ahern and Susan Cox can offer practical support in shaping role descriptions and simplifying the hiring process.

Apply now for FREE expert advice from our Panel of Advisors on the EBA program. We’re here to help small businesses grow and thrive.

Coming Soon : “How to Make Your Business Stand Out on Google in Your Local Suburb"