Published: July 2025
In Australia's dynamic business landscape, small and medium businesses (SMBs) form the backbone of the economy. As of mid-2025, there are over 2.6 million actively trading businesses, with SMBs accounting for nearly all of them. These enterprises employ millions across various sectors, from hospitality to professional services, and contribute significantly to economic growth. However, recruitment challenges persist, with labour shortages affecting industries like retail, construction, and tech. Many SMBs struggle with time-consuming hiring processes, high turnover, and finding the right cultural fit, especially in a market where skills gaps are widening due to evolving workforce demands.
Workable emerges as a powerful solution in this context. As a cloud-based HR platform primarily focused on recruitment, it helps SMBs manage the entire hiring pipeline efficiently. From posting jobs to onboarding, Workable's tools are designed for businesses without large HR teams, making it ideal for Australian owners who wear multiple hats. In 2025, with trends shifting towards remote work, diversity hiring, and AI-assisted processes, Workable adapts well by incorporating modern features that save time and reduce costs.
This comprehensive review covers its features, advantages, limitations, pricing, implementation tips, and scenarios with detailed calculations. We'll draw on real user feedback and industry statistics to provide insights that can help you decide if Workable fits your business needs. For example, a typical Australian cafe might cut hiring time from weeks to days, freeing up resources for customer service.
Workable offers a suite of features that streamline recruitment, structured as follows:
For SMBs needing broader HR support, Workable pairs subtly with specialised human resources services that handle compliance, training, and strategy, enhancing overall efficiency.
Workable's strengths can be broken down into key areas:
These pros make Workable a go-to for SMBs prioritising talent acquisition in competitive markets.
Potential drawbacks include:
Updates in 2025 address some via user feedback.
Workable's tiers suit varying needs:
Figures assume AUD 50 hourly HR cost. Compared to competitors, AI justifies value.
Scenarios:
Calculations show bottom-line impact.
Steps for success:
Ratings: 4.6/5 average.
Workable stands out as a robust, adaptable tool that addresses key recruitment pain points for Australian SMBs, from labour shortages to compliance demands. By incorporating features like video submissions and employee referrals, it not only accelerates hiring but also enhances hire quality and retention, ultimately supporting sustainable business growth in a competitive landscape. Whether scaling a startup or maintaining a steady team, Workable offers the efficiency and insights needed to thrive, making it a strategic choice for forward-thinking owners.
What makes Workable suitable for Australian SMBs?
Workable is highly suitable for Australian SMBs because it includes built-in compliance tools that align with Fair Work regulations, such as equal employment opportunity (EEO) reporting and privacy features to meet local data protection standards. It integrates seamlessly with Australian-specific systems like payroll software, allowing businesses without dedicated HR departments to handle recruitment efficiently. This setup reduces administrative burdens and helps avoid common pitfalls like non-compliant job ads or hiring processes.
How do video submissions work in Workable?
Video submissions in Workable function by letting recruiters set predefined questions for applicants to answer in short video clips, typically 1-2 minutes long. Applicants upload these directly through the platform, and recruiters can review them quickly to evaluate communication skills, personality, and cultural fit. This feature integrates with the applicant tracking system, allowing notes and ratings during screening, which helps filter candidates early and cuts down on unnecessary interviews by up to 30% based on user data.
What are the benefits of employee referrals in Workable?
Employee referrals in Workable offer multiple benefits, including higher-quality hires who integrate faster and have lower turnover rates, often staying 20% longer than non-referred staff. The platform's system creates internal portals for easy sharing, with customisable rewards like cash bonuses or extra days off to motivate participation. This fosters a collaborative company culture, leverages existing networks for cost-effective sourcing, and reduces hiring time by encouraging pre-vetted candidates, making it especially valuable in Australia's tight labour markets.
Is there a free trial for Workable?
Yes, Workable provides a 15-day free trial that grants full access to all features, including AI sourcing, video submissions, and integrations, without any commitment or credit card required upfront. During the trial, users can set up pipelines, post jobs, and test reporting tools to evaluate fit for their business, with guided onboarding resources available to maximise the experience.
How does Workable ensure data security?
Workable ensures data security through compliance with international standards like GDPR and ISO 27001, which include robust encryption, access controls, and regular audits to protect sensitive applicant information. For Australian users, this translates to adherence to local privacy laws, with features like data residency options and secure cloud storage, minimising risks of breaches and building trust in handling personal data during recruitment.
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