Since I began my organising career in 2005, I’ve been privileged to witness the growth and evolution of the industry here in Australia.
Before I started my organising business, I had questions, just like every new organiser entering the industry. Back then I had to figure out the answers on my own. Now, thanks to lots of experience and dash of statistics, one of my favourite things to do is answer those questions for others – both new and experienced organisers. It’s important for me to provide an accurate and honest picture of the industry whenever someone asks. I believe in facts. That’s why each year I conduct an organising industry survey, and I use Survey Monkey to do that.
Thank you to each and every person who contributed to create this latest snapshot of the industry as it is right now. For the December 2023 survey, there were 72 respondents. 68 of them work as a professional organiser. There were also productivity consultants, suppliers of organising products and coaches.
The annual industry survey asked questions about location, business structure, longevity in the field, income, hiring practices, average hourly rate, hours worked in the business and on the business. Respondents were given an opportunity to opt in to receive the full summary of the results, and those who opted in will soon receive that document in their hot little hands.
In the meantime, here are a few stats we learned about the state of the organising industry in 2023:
- 83% of respondents had been working in the industry for longer than 5 years.
- 67% of respondents work full time.
- 78% of respondents operate as a sole trader.
- 50% of respondents hire organisers as either staff or subcontractors.
- 44% of respondents work on average 10-19 billable hours per week.
- 61% work 1-9 non-billable hours each week.
I’m happy to report that things are looking good for the industry, with improvements in key areas as compared with previous years. Take a look at last year’s results here.
There is another important reason for conducting the annual survey. I need to know exactly what organisers – new and experienced – need, so that I can create the resources, training and services that will help them succeed. To that end I asked the question, “What do you need right now in your organising business?” The top answer was “More clients” with “More streams of income” and “More profit” coming in shortly after.
Look out for more resources to help with those challenges, along with lots of other good stuff throughout the year. Be sure to sign up for my weekly PO News to hear about what’s coming up.
