Education is essential to employee performance as well as worker and employer satisfaction.
But, overeducated employees sometimes have no choice but to take lower-level positions. Likewise, undereducated employees slip through the cracks and take on jobs they're simply not qualified for on an educational level.
When it comes to Australia's working masses, what are some common pitfalls for employees with education levels that both lack and far succeed expectations?
Australian Worker Education Statistics
According to a report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, nearly two-thirds of the country's working population, which is about 7.3 million people, is educationally under qualified. This statistic also takes into account those employees who lack the appropriate education credentials for their current position.
But, the remaining one-third of Australia's working population have more than one education qualification, which shows an increase in education levels among employees.
Likewise, the number of workers with Bachelor Degrees and higher has risen 5% in the past decade.
Overeducated Workers
Although overeducated workers may seem like a benefit to employers, there are some unique downsides to employing a worker who is overqualified for a position in terms of education:
Undereducated Workers
Just as there are drawbacks with overeducated workers, such is the case with undereducated workers. And, although the setbacks may seem obvious, there's more to it than just a lack of education:
At the end of the workday, the best way to go about hiring the right employee is by choosing a candidate with the experience and education equal to the job at hand.
About the author
Adam Groff is a freelance writer and creator of content. He writes on a variety of topics including personal health, how to seek a bachelor degree, and small business.