The Value of Cultivating a Positive Employee Experience

27.11.24 10:58 AM - By Darren Cutts

In brief: A positive employee experience is built on an inclusive culture, support for wellbeing and mental health, and well-chosen technology. According to Diversity Council Australia's Inclusion@Work Index, inclusive teams are 9.5 times more likely to be innovative and workers in inclusive teams are three times less likely to leave their organisation. The Productivity Commission put the cost of absenteeism and presenteeism linked to mental ill-health at between $13 billion and $17 billion a year for the Australian economy.

In today's dynamic business environment, the significance of creating a positive Employee Experience (EX) has become increasingly apparent. 

A well structured EX strategy can encompass fostering an inclusive workplace culture, prioritising employee wellbeing and mental health, and leveraging technology to enhance employee experiences. These approaches not only benefit employees but also contribute to the overall success of organisations. This article looks at each.

Fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture is a cornerstone of EX. Organisations that embrace diversity and inclusion can create an environment where employees feel valued and respected, regardless of their background or identity. The evidence for this in Australia is strong: Diversity Council Australia’s 2025–2026 Inclusion@Work Index found that inclusive teams are 9.5 times more likely to be innovative, 8.5 times more likely to work together effectively, and that workers in inclusive teams are three times less likely to leave their organisation (Diversity Council Australia, 2025).

Prioritising employee wellbeing and mental health is another critical aspect of EX. Companies that invest in mental health resources and promote work-life balance demonstrate a commitment to their employees' holistic wellbeing. The cost of not doing so is measurable: absenteeism and presenteeism linked to mental ill-health cost the Australian economy between $13 billion and $17 billion a year, according to the Productivity Commission’s 2020 mental health inquiry (Mentally Healthy Workplaces, n.d.). Employees who feel supported in their mental health seem more likely to be engaged and productive, ultimately benefiting the organisation as a whole.

Leveraging technology to enhance employee experiences is also essential in today's digital age. Technology can streamline processes, facilitate communication, and provide employees with the tools they need to perform their jobs effectively. By using well-chosen technology, organisations can create a more efficient and satisfying work environment, leading to improved performance and employee satisfaction.

So creating a positive employee experience appears to be worth the focus. By fostering an inclusive culture, prioritising wellbeing, and leveraging technology, organisations can cultivate a motivated, engaged, and productive workforce. This, in turn, can drive organisational success and position companies to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

Linq HR are Australian Employment and Workplace Specialists assisting organisations and employees be their best at work. Ph 1300 234 566.

Further reading:Navigating Employee Workplace Stress and Resenteeism in the Workplace.


References

Diversity Council Australia (2025) Inclusion@Work Index 2025–2026. Sydney: DCA. Available at: https://www.dca.org.au/inclusion-work-index (Accessed: 5 November 2026).

Mentally Healthy Workplaces (n.d.) Benefits of a mentally healthy workplace, citing Productivity Commission (2020) Mental Health, Inquiry Report No. 95. Available at: https://beta.mentallyhealthyworkplaces.gov.au/explore-modules/foundations-mentally-healthy-workplace/setting-success/benefits-mentally-healthy (Accessed: 5 November 2026).