Survey reveals tradies are optimistic about the rest of 2022, but need more economic support and new technology solutions

• 88% of Australian tradies are upbeat about the rest of 2022, but worry about rising fuel costs, underpayment, and job security.
  
• 91% list mobile connectivity as a priority, with three out of four tradies saying they would welcome tech innovations to work more effectively and save time.

Optus Business today released the findings of its 2022 State of Tradies survey, commissioned in collaboration with YouGov. Conducted during April 2022, 513 tradies across Australia were asked about their confidence levels for the rest of the year, their current challenges, and the support they needed to help achieve their goals and improve their everyday lives.

88% of tradies reported optimism about the rest of 2022, highlighting fewer COVID-19 challenges delaying their return to work, and overall increased job satisfaction. This comes as the Federal Budget for 2022-2023 announced extra economic and digital technologies support to small businesses who are under growing pressures. 

With tradies often travelling from job to job, they also rely heavily on technology to conduct daily work tasks and stay connected to their communities. Nearly everyone surveyed – an overwhelming 91% – saw mobile connectivity as a priority, with tradies adding that technology innovations such as apps and phone software to enable business transactions, portable office solutions and digital payment solutions would help do their jobs more efficiently and effectively.

Libby Roy, Optus Managing Director, Business comments, “It’s promising to see that tradies are overall feeling quite positive about 2022, considering that the past two years have been filled with lockdowns and natural disasters. However, we can’t ignore the fact that many tradies and small business owners continue to struggle. Priority should be put on helping tradies and business owners balance their work and personal lives, as well as navigate the current economic situation that has created unique challenges.

“Optus Business is committed to helping tradies across Australia address these challenges, particularly when it comes to giving them time back and helping them do more with less through technology that improves their lives.”

Co-owner of Lanewoods Roofing in Newcastle, NSW, Brayden Lane says, “Workers in the construction industry are under pressure, with many struggling to stay connected to their community or simply struggling to have some downtime after work. What most of us need is to have extra time to focus on ourselves, do what we love and spend quality time with friends and family. Being able to access reliable connectivity and innovative technology solutions means we can ultimately be more efficient at work, so that we can spend more time connecting with our community.”

Tradies and small business owners in the construction industry are vital to the Australian economy, and it is essential they have access to the economic support and technology tools they need to stay optimistic throughout 2022, and address work and life challenges that might come their way.

In May, Optus Business is holding three Tradie Pit Stop events where the focus is on giving time back to tradies. Utilising 20ft shipping containers and dedicated interactive zones, the Tradie Pit Stops will offer tradies free coffee, breakfast, car washes, and a chance to connect with their local communities and learn more about the ways technology can help them.

• NSW Optus Tradie Pit Stop – Johnson Bros Mitre 10 in Mona Vale (Tuesday 3 to Thursday 5 May from 7am to 1pm daily)
• QLD Optus Tradie Pit Stop – Jeays Mitre 10 in Sandgate (Tuesday 10 to Thursday 12 May from 7am to 1pm daily)
• VIC Optus Tradie Pit Stop – Bayswater Mitre 10 (Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 May from 7am to 1pm daily)

Media enquiries:
Optus Corporate Affairs
02 9037 8179
media@optus.com.au

Kat Morris, Thrive PR
0478 081 413
kat.morris@thrivepr.com.au