Raising the Standard of Workplace Culture
At a time when Australian workplaces face unprecedented challenges, from concerning rises in workplace toxicity to rapid technological and social transformation, the role of a healthy organisational culture has never been more vital to our nation’s wellbeing.
The Culture Institute of Australia presents our third edition of the Australian Workplace Culture Guidelines as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the development of workplace cultures that strengthen our communities, support our people, and contribute to Australia’s prosperity.
Today’s Workplace Reality
The evidence is clear and concerning.
Our research shows increasing disconnection across Australian workplaces, with potential impacts rippling through families and communities. The integration of artificial intelligence, while offering tremendous possibilities, has heightened anxiety and uncertainty. Meanwhile, the shift to hybrid work has fundamentally altered how we connect and collaborate, complicated further by the emerging trend of mandated office attendance. This swing between remote flexibility and prescribed presenteeism has created complex challenges for workplace cohesion, mental health, and productivity, making it increasingly difficult to build and maintain strong workplace communities.
Central to this edition is our focus on psychological safety, genuine inclusion, and sustainable work practices. We emphasise the critical importance of employee wellbeing not as a corporate metric, but as a fundamental human right and societal necessity. These guidelines provide clear pathways for organisations to foster environments where people can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Our Commitment to All Australian Workplaces
Every Australian employee deserves a healthy workplace—this fundamental right transcends organisational size, industry, or location. Over the next decade, we are committed to working purposefully and practically with organisations of all types and sizes to foster cultures where people can thrive. These guidelines reflect this commitment, offering frameworks and approaches that can be adapted to support positive cultural development whether in a small family business, a growing technology startup, or our largest corporations.
As we look to the future, the role of workplace culture in shaping our society cannot be understated. Strong, healthy organisational cultures don’t just drive business success—they strengthen families, support mental health, and build more resilient communities. These guidelines represent our contribution to building a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous Australia—one workplace at a time. We invite all Australian organisations, regardless of size or sector, to embrace these guidelines as a resource for positive change.
Karl Treacher CEO | The Culture Institute of Australia
