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Nearly two-thirds of Australian business leaders are expecting a rise in employee activism, with pay inequalities and the cost of living predicted as the main drivers for negotiations, according to new research.

Herbert Smith Freehills' survey of 500 senior executives from companies across the world found 77% of Australian employers believe the risk of employee activism has decreased over the past 18 months due to the economic downturn, but 63% expect this to change.

The 'Future of work report 2023' shows this change will be fuelled by "the same financial pressures that are currently subduing it", partner Natalie Gaspar says, noting that half of Australian leaders think the cost-of-living crisis will result in industrial action.

"One example linked to the cost-of-living crisis is employee sensitivity to remuneration – some of the recent legislative changes in Australia prevent pay secrecy clauses for employees, so if you pay people differently within your organisation, there are going to be conversations about comparing pay," she says...