As a leading solutions provider, we know that talent is the cornerstone of organisational success, but it has become increasingly challenging for leaders to balance a strong workplace culture with operational efficiency.
The recently released 15th Annual Pulse of Talent report from Dayforce, Inc. has shed light on this balancing act, offering useful insights into what employees value most and how organisations can align with these values to create high performing, engaged workforces.
The culture-efficiency equation
Amy Cappellanti-Wolf, Chief People Officer at Dayforce, said, “cultivating a strong culture is a constant balancing act between productivity and agility and creating a space where people can do their best work”.
The report highlights that organisations investing in aligning benefits, technology and initiatives with employee needs gain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent. However, with leaders under increasing pressure to justify their spending, these culture-centric investments must also drive measurable outcomes.
Key drivers of positive workplace culture
The Workplace Culture Index introduced in the report categorises employees into three groups: Culture Promoters, Culture Passives and Culture Detractors.
According to the findings, Culture Promoters, who are the most positive about their workplace, rated their organisations significantly higher than Culture Detractors in three key areas:
1. Empowering productivity through technology
85% of Culture Promoters say they have the technology needed to perform efficiently, compared to just 39% of Culture Detractors.
Additionally, 67% of Culture Promoters believe AI will positively impact workplace culture, versus only 31% of Culture Detractors.
2. Aligning benefits with employee needs
82% of Culture Promoters feel their company’s benefits meet their needs effectively, compared to just 21% of Culture Detractors.
3. Providing flexibility and building trust
Flexible work options were a standout factor:
57% of Culture Promoters report flexibility in how they work (vs. 28% of Culture Detractors).
54% report flexibility in when they work (vs. 33% of Culture Detractors).
54% report flexibility in where they work (vs. 30% of Culture Detractors).
91% of Culture Promoters feel trusted by their employer, compared to only 29% of Culture Detractors.
Bridging the AI perception gap
A key finding from the report is the disparity between how executives and employees perceive AI in the workplace.
Executives were significantly more likely than workers to believe AI is used responsibly (44%), understand its applications (48%) and view it as a tool for better decision-making (48%).
This gap highlights the need for intentional communication and education around the role of AI in driving efficiency while supporting culture. Businesses that proactively address these concerns are better positioned to foster trust and engagement across all levels of their workforce.
Why culture matters more than ever
Nearly seven in ten respondents (69%) said they have turned down or would turn down a job opportunity if the culture did not feel like the right fit. This rises to 75% among employees under the age of 35. Improving company culture has numerous benefits:
51% of respondents said it would increase engagement.
47% said it would improve mental health and reduce burnout.
46% said it would motivate them to work harder.
These findings emphasise that investing in culture isn’t just about employee satisfaction—it’s about building a resilient, productive workforce equipped to meet organisational goals.
Partner with Auxo to drive culture and efficiency
The Pulse of Talent report shows that organisations that prioritise aligning employee needs with operational goals will not only attract top talent but also create thriving workplaces where people can do their best work.
As leaders navigate this balancing act, Auxo is here to provide the guidance and tools needed to succeed in a dynamic business environment.
Get in touch with us to ensure you attract and retain the skilled talent you need:
