Inclusee’s People & Culture Program has transformed workforce wellbeing through flexible work, inclusion, professional development and wellbeing initiatives. Achieving 98% staff engagement, reduced absenteeism and outstanding retention, the program won the People & Culture category in the 2025 Future of Ageing Awards. Results were unveiled at a presentation dinner in Sydney on November 27, 2025…To view all of the results…
Inclusee’s People & Culture Program was created to address one of aged care’s greatest challenges: attracting, supporting and retaining passionate people. As a fully remote organisation helping older Australians overcome social isolation, Inclusee recognised that meaningful connection for participants starts with a connected and supported workforce.
Developed from 2021 and continually refined through staff feedback, the program combines flexible work practices, wellbeing initiatives, professional development, diversity and inclusion strategies, and innovative productivity tools. The result is a culture where employees and volunteers feel valued, empowered and genuinely connected despite working entirely online.
Why it came about
Like many organisations across aged care and community services, Inclusee saw the impact of burnout, workforce shortages, limited flexibility and high turnover. Through staff consultations, psychosocial hazard audits, exit interviews and engagement surveys, several common challenges emerged:
- Emotional fatigue from caring roles
- Limited career development opportunities
- Difficulty balancing work and personal responsibilities
- Feelings of isolation in remote work environments
- Lack of support for neurodivergent employees, carers and parents
- Administrative tasks reduce time for meaningful work
Rather than treating these as workforce problems alone, Inclusee viewed them as cultural challenges. The organisation set out to build a workplace that reflected the same compassion, inclusion and respect it provides to participants.
How it works
Inclusee has intentionally designed a culture that supports wellbeing, growth and connection.
Staff benefit from flexible working arrangements, including compressed four-day weeks, adaptable schedules and tailored support for carers, parents and neurodivergent employees. Home office equipment, internet allowances, wellbeing packs and generous leave provisions further support work-life balance.
Professional development is a core priority. Employees receive annual learning budgets, access to specialist training and the opportunity to set their own goals and performance measures. Weekly one-on-one meetings and regular team sessions ensure ongoing support and development.
To maintain connection across a national remote workforce, Inclusee facilitates virtual social events, peer support groups, recognition programs and informal online gatherings. A team-created Communication Manifesto guides respectful and effective collaboration.
Diversity, equity and inclusion are embedded throughout the organisation. A five-year DEI Strategy drives annual priorities and staff-led initiatives. One standout project was the 2024 KIND Project, which focused on neurodiversity awareness and workplace inclusion. More than 60% of staff identified as neurodivergent, leading to tailored workplace adjustments, coaching and the creation of peer support networks.
Inclusee also invests in technology and productivity training to reduce repetitive tasks, allowing staff to spend more time on meaningful work. Annual culture reviews, engagement surveys and psychosocial hazard audits ensure continuous improvement.
Who was involved
The program was led by CEO Rachael Cook and supported by staff champions across diversity, sustainability, First Nations engagement and volunteer coordination.
Key external partners included Heart & Brain Works, the Neurodiverse Safe Work Initiative, Pathfindr and The Productivity Ninja, who provided expertise in wellbeing, neurodiversity, productivity and workplace innovation.
Evidence of success
The results have been significant.
Staff engagement increased from 88% in 2021 to 98% in both 2024 and 2025. Employees recorded 100% positive ratings for learning opportunities, organisational confidence and workplace connection.
The organisation achieved an Outstanding Culture Accreditation score of 9.7/10 and a 97% audit result against the Aged Care Standards.
Investment in technology and workflow improvements delivered:
- 35% reduction in personal and sick leave
- 100% reduction in overdue tasks
- 21% increase in task completion rates
Independent psychosocial hazard audits found Inclusee performed significantly better than benchmark organisations, with lower workplace risks and stronger employee wellbeing outcomes.
Most importantly, employees consistently report feeling trusted, supported and inspired. Many describe Inclusee as the best workplace of their careers and credit the organisation’s culture with restoring their belief that aged care can be a rewarding and sustainable profession.
By putting people first, Inclusee has created a workplace where employees thrive, and that success flows directly to the older Australians they support every day.
