Digital, Marketing & Ecomm Insights Report

A snapshot of the year that was & expected trends for 2025

The past 18 months have seen significant shifts in the job market due to challenging economic conditions, high interest rates and increased cost of living which have resulted in reduced consumer spending and tighter corporate budgets.

At Six Degrees, we certainly felt the shift primarily across the Marketing and Digital sector, although not all industries were impacted, with growth across retail, travel, building and construction, QSR and B2B.

Drawing from our extensive candidate database and in-depth conversations with professionals, this report offers guidance for strategic decision-making and staying ahead in a dynamic environment.

Gain invaluable insights into the key trends affecting your market right now, as well the roles and skills in demand in FMCG & Consumer Goods, Retail & QSR, Technology, Utilities, Professional Services, Industrial (B2B Manufacturing), For Purpose (NFP, Health & Education) and Government.

Understand the key drivers influencing the current job market

Gain insights into the most sought-after skills and roles in demand

Get detailed salary benchmarks to ensure you remain competitive

Discover opportunities to enhance your recruitment strategy

Economic uncertainty

The global economic climate remains uncertain, influenced by global factors such as post-COVID-19 recovery and geopolitical tensions. This uncertainty is reshaping consumer spending patterns and, in turn, impacting marketing budgets across various industries.

In Australia, high-interest rates and increased cost of living have resulted in reduced consumer spending, which in turn, impacted marketing budgets across various industries.

Digital transformation

Businesses are heavily investing in technology, increasing demand for professionals skilled in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity and data analytics to enhance customer experiences, improve personalisation, and optimise marketing strategies. This means that traditional roles are being redefined as automation and digital tools reshape workflows.

At the same time, stricter data privacy regulations, such as the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), are compelling businesses to focus on data security. Marketers face the challenge of balancing compliance with leveraging data for personalised campaigns.

safety and sustainability recruitment agencies

Workplace trends and expectations

Flexible work arrangements remain a priority for candidates, but businesses are increasingly pushing for onsite presence, with an average of 3 days in the office, to boost collaboration and culture.

Many organisations are struggling with misaligned budgets and salary expectations. To overcome this, businesses need to be creative with their remuneration structures.

Data privacy and security

With the rise in data breaches and stringent regulations like the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), organisations are prioritising data security and privacy. Marketers must navigate these regulations while leveraging data for personalised marketing.

"Our recent study found that the biggest skill gap facing digital and marketing teams is data analytics followed by emerging technologies.

It also found that only 20% of respondents have a unified view of their customers.

This demonstrates the critical need for businesses to leverage technology to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency."

Maya Wettenhall
Associate Director | Marketing, Digital & Communications Practice

Elevate your EVP

Candidates today are looking beyond trendy brands and product discounts, prioritising personal needs such as work-from-home flexibility, short commutes, career development opportunities, inspiring leaders and learning programs.

A robust recruitment process

In a market where demand for the same talent is high, providing a positive experience during the recruitment and onboarding process is essential to maintaining a strong employer brand.

Partnering with a recruitment company can help as we have access to a large database of passive and active candidates and provide a single point of contact during the recruitment process.

Receive strategic advice on structure, roles & salaries

Salary remains a top driver for candidates particularly given the current economic
climate. In our 2024 Digital, Marketing & eCommerce In Focus study report, 64% of marketers surveyed indicated that their biggest challenge is finding candidates within their budget constraints.

Are you paying your employees what they deserve? Understanding current salary benchmarks is essential for attracting and retaining top talent.

Our report includes detailed salary data across various roles and industries, allowing you to ensure your compensation packages are competitive.

Available contractors to meet
your needs

Contractors provide flexibility, reduce long-term commitment, and can be a strategic way to fill immediate gaps.

Many of our clients are embracing contractors as a strategic talent solution to flex up and down their teams for project-based work or to access in-demand skills.

Contact our Contracting team for more info.