Job seekers want recognition and achievement - not just a salary package

Chemistry Australia's CEO said something at their industry awards this year that every employer in our space should sit with:

"Every day, our members demonstrate exceptional talent, innovation, and problem-solving capability."

At their 2026 Industry Awards, Chemistry Australia recognised people like Grant Powles (Dow Australia and New Zealand), named Young Leader for his work on operational efficiency and customer relationships, and Russell Schroeter (SNF Australia), inducted into the Hall of Fame after nearly two decades of contribution.

Here's what I'd flag to hiring managers: awards like this only happen because someone nominated that person. 

Recognition doesn't happen by accident and neither does retention.

If you can't immediately name the people on your team doing exceptional work right now, that's worth pausing on. The best technical people I place aren't chasing the biggest salary alone, they're chasing a team that recognises them and their contributions.

When did you last tell someone on your team they were doing a great job?

🔗 Source: Chemistry Australia recognises manufacturing leaders at 2026 industry awards — Australian Manufacturing, 28 June 2026