New research has revealed a full two-thirds of Australian employees don’t believe their salary accurately reflects their performance – and they are expecting the situation to be rectified in the New Year.

“Considering Australians have been relatively conservative in their demands during the recent wave of economic uncertainty, as we look to enter a brighter 2012, many are considering their options with regards to remuneration and their career,” Randstad CEO Fred Van der Tang said.

The quarterly Workmonitor report found that although a large proportion of Australian workers are expecting a pay rise, in a global context the proportion is quite low: only Canada and a handful of European countries have a lower proportion of workers expecting a remuneration increase.

All is not lost for those employers who can’t meet the ever increasing pay demands - other options are available for those looking to hold on to and attract talent in the New Year. Particularly in light of the skills shortage, industry commentators have warned employers they need to build a strong employer brand and ensure they offer the necessary elements to attract and retain top talent.

Tailored training and development programs, involving mentoring and coaching, opportunities to progress within the organisation, flexible working conditions and work / life balance initiatives still remain a top priority for jobseekers on the lookout for new opportunities.

Continued communication of all the benefits they can offer will continue to go a long way to helping companies hold on to their talent and grow their businesses in 2012, according to Van der Tang.