All of the research in mature economies regarding work points to remuneration no longer being the only driver or even the main driver for full engagement in the workplace or even professional sport.
This explains the explosion of volunteerism both on the ground and in the board room.
So what are the key drivers?
The buzz words have changed over time but at the core all of the facts point to six key factors: Recognition, Reward, Voice, Choice, Learning & Legacy.
Where these six engagement factors are high people stay longer, perform better, are happier, accomplish more and have life balance.
Organisations that prioritise these six factors stand the test of time, trends and tensions – be they pandemics, work from home, quiet quitting etc.
ENGAGEMENT – MORE THAN JUST MONEY
2025 Global Culture Study identified that full engagement is about more than just money.
When Employees Are Satisfied with Total Rewards employee health improves, as does work performed.
|
BENEFIT |
CHANGE IN ODDS WHEN SATISFIED WITH TOTAL REWARDS |
|
Reduction in probable diagnosis of depression |
-42% |
|
Reduction in probable diagnosis of anxiety |
-43% |
|
Sense of thriving |
+759% |
|
Higher sense of purpose |
+422% |
|
Higher sense of opportunity |
+740% |
|
Higher sense of success |
+806% |
|
Higher sense of appreciation |
+414% |
|
Higher sense of wellbeing |
+100% |
|
Higher sense of leadership |
+497% |
|
Great work |
+285% |
2025 GLOBAL CULTURE STUDY, O.C. TANNER INSTITUTE
INCREASED ODDS OF POSITIVE OUTCOMES WITH THREE KEY ELEMENTS
Further, satisfying just three key areas Choice (Flexibility) and Learning (Skill Building & Career Development) improves employee retention significantly.
|
ELEMENT |
RETENTION (PLAN TO STAY TWO OR MORE YEARS) |
BELONGING |
FULFILMENT |
ENGAGEMENT |
THRIVING AT WORK |
|
Flexibility |
4x |
6x |
8x |
7x |
9x |
|
Skill building |
5x |
7x |
9x |
10x |
14x |
|
Career dev. |
6x |
9x |
10x |
11x |
19x |
2025 GLOBAL CULTURE STUDY, O.C. TANNER INSTITUTE
10 Key Learnings from Ranstand’s Work Monitor 2025 Report
- 31% have quit a job because of a lack of career progression opportunities
- 38% of Aussies would leave their job if there would be no learning and development opportunities to future-proof their careers.
- 41% think improving equity is the employer’s responsibility
- 8 in 10 say a sense of community helps them to perform better at work
- 62% hide aspects of themselves at work
- 44% have quit a job because of a toxic culture
- 72% say training and development is important for current and/ or future employment
- 83% see work-life balance as the most important motivator
- Pay comes in second at 82%
- 40% say Al is their most sought-after training area
Ranstand Work monitor 2025 Report
Top 10 government agencies for full-time work-from-home
Australian Financial Review | Australian Public Service Commission
Share of employees who NEVER work in the office, 2023-24 (%)
| Office of the AustralianInformation Commissioner | 50% |
| Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency | 27% |
| Digital TransformationAgency | 25% |
| Australian Digital HealthAgency | 24% |
| Australian Human RightsCommission | 24% |
| Workplace Gender EqualityAgency | 22% |
| Australian Public ServiceCommission | 21% |
| Inspector-General of Taxation and TaxationOmbudsman | 20% |
| Climate Change Authority | 19% |
| National Health FundingBody | 17% |
Chart: Michael Read, AFR • Source: Australian Public Service Commission
