In Australia’s public sector, salary bands are locked in – but job satisfaction is anything but fixed.
For government employees across life sciences and public health, the real drivers of workplace satisfaction are increasingly tied to flexibility, purpose, leadership, and career growth. And while pay might not be negotiable, these factors have a huge influence on how people feel about their work – and whether they stay.
At On Q Recruitment, we’re seeing more public sector professionals speak up about what matters most. Here’s what’s shaping their experience in 2025:
1. Purpose Still Matters
Many professionals are drawn to government roles by a sense of mission – contributing to the public good, advancing science and policy, or improving healthcare systems. But when the day-to-day disconnects from that broader purpose, motivation can suffer.
Workplaces that keep that “why” front and centre – through communication, leadership, and alignment with projects – tend to see stronger engagement.
2. Flexibility Is a Retention Tool
While remote and hybrid options vary across government departments, flexibility is a crucial factor in retention and wellbeing.
Employees want choice – in when, where, and how they work. Those in roles without it are often eyeing contract or private sector roles that offer more autonomy, even with the same pay.
3. Supportive Leadership Sets the Tone
We hear this again and again: the manager makes or breaks the experience.
Whether it’s workload balance, psychosocial safety, or career development, team leaders play a key role in creating environments where people can thrive. A lack of trust, recognition, or communication can quickly lead to disengagement – even in otherwise stable roles.
4. Progression Pathways Matter – Even Without Promotions
With limited movement across some classifications, growth isn’t always vertical. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t important.
Meaningful development – through projects, upskilling, mentorship, or secondments – gives employees a sense of momentum. When that’s missing, even the most stable job can feel stagnant.
So… What Does This Mean for You?
If you work in government, you’re not just a position title or a pay grade. Your insights – about what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to change – are essential to shaping the future of public sector workplaces.
That’s why we’re inviting professionals across the life sciences to take part in the 2025 On Q Salary & Job Market Survey.
- It’s anonymous
- It takes less than 10 minutes
- It helps us provide real, evidence-based insights – not just for the private sector, but for government too
And yes – you’ll go in the draw to win one of 10 x $50 Uber vouchers, plus a $750 major prize.
Your voice can help shape better policy, leadership, and culture in the public sector.
