2025 is nearly half-way through and due to the natural cycle of engagement surveys, performance frameworks/reviews, change and transition, it has been a busy period for us here at Optimum on the HR Consulting area of our business.

Some trends are emerging, and we are in a bit of a push/pull situation. Some factors as to why this is include:

 

1. It is well published that many employers are mandating employees to be back in the office: whereas many employees simply don’t want to return or are struggling to adjust.
2. Many employers are restructuring due to the geo-political turmoil and high levels of business uncertainty; this is impacting and creating uncertainty.
3. Employers are focusing on performance-based bonuses with a greater increase on productivity and return on investment: the high-cost of living is impacting many so the question of rewards in a tightening job market is interesting.

 

These factors (among others) indicate a shift in employee engagement.

Let’s explore some real data: from all surveys Optimum Consulting Group have launched and collected data since January 2025 our sentiment average is:

 

• Positive Sentiment = 63%
• Neutral Sentiment = 24%
• Negative Sentiment = 13%

 

We break down this sentiment across teams, locations, tenure and many other demographics to help our customers pinpoint high performing areas and opportunities to improve.

Our Response Rate average is 65% indicating our work and assistance with internal communications, the way of delivery (SMS / email etc.) and the frequency of reminders we plan well ahead with our customers, is resonating.

 

 

Let’s take a more macro view of engagement. Globally, data is varied: different survey providers range from 23% to 70% engagement.

What we do know is that overall, employee engagement is decreasing, and this is not surprising due the economic and political environment we live in. The Covid-19 pandemic did not help, it has skewed data for 4-5 years, so we are entering a ‘new normal’ period.

 

Our top engagement themes we are seeing from the data in 2025 are:

 

1. Job Security
2. Career / L&D Opportunities
3. Recognition and feeling valued

 

If you are experiencing a higher than usual turnover of staff, your culture isn’t where you would like or want it, need a gauge on psychosocial hazards, 360-degree data or just want to be proactive in knowing what your employees are thinking and feeling, now may be a perfect time to get some employee intelligence data.

Feel free to contact me for a confidential discussion.

 

Stephen joined Optimum in 2015 as the General Manager of the Consulting practice based in Brisbane. Stephen brought with him vast experience across HR consulting and executive recruitment, having previously worked for a global top tier talent management organisation and market leading companies…