Your voice, our future
A check-in to shape what's next
On Wednesday 1 October, we will launch our 2025 Employee Engagement survey – your chance to share your feedback, ideas, and experiences to help us continue making Programmed a great place to work.
Every voice matters, and your insights directly shape how we continue building Programmed into a place where people feel proud to work and where everyone can thrive.
This year, we’re inviting all non-field, salaried employees to participate.
In our last Engagement Survey, you told us four clear priorities - better communication, streamlined systems and processes, more opportunities for learning and development, and stronger feedback and recognition. These themes have guided much of our focus this year.
As we head into the final months of 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the progress we’ve made together over the last year.
You can also read more about these initiatives across Facility Management and Property Services in our recently published 'Benefits @ Programmed' essential guide.
Enhanced communication
Enhancing how we share business updates and our vision, both at a strategic and local level.
Over the past year, we’ve focused on strengthening how we connect and communicate across our business. We’ve continued to provide regular updates on our midterm strategic plan, business changes, and contract wins, ensuring everyone has a clear view of where we’re heading.
Our leadership team has also been more actively engaged in visiting our local teams, creating more opportunities for meaningful conversations on the ground.
We’ve delivered two highly engaging Town Halls, streamed live across Australia and New Zealand, giving everyone the chance to hear directly from our leaders and share their perspectives. A new dedicated Q&A session has also been introduced, making it easier for our people to raise questions and receive answers in real time. Our next Town Hall will be hosted in New Zealand.
Systems and process improvements
Providing better tools and processes to help you succeed.
We’ve taken important steps to modernise the way we work and make our systems easier to use. We’ve been making strong progress on Project NextGen – one of the most significant transformations in Programmed Facility Management’s history. This project is modernising both the systems our people use every day and the way we manage data behind the scenes, setting us up for a smarter, more efficient future.
The Procurement team have also recently introduced the Rapid Project - a new, streamlined approach to onboarding and managing our vendors and subcontractors. The suite of new integrated systems allows a smarter way of working that puts clarity, consistency, and efficiency at the center of our engagement with vendors.
We're also pleased to have commenced our new partnership with Corporate Travel Management (CTM), which has replaced our previous travel management system with a sleeker, more user-friendly platform.
Growth and development
Creating more opportunities for professional development within the business.
We’ve continued to invest in the growth and development of our people, creating opportunities for careers to flourish at every level. We’ve celebrated 164 promotions and provided 99 formal acting and higher duties opportunities, recognising the talent and capability within our teams.
Learning and development has remained a major focus, with more than 8,007 training activities completed across the business. A key highlight is the launch of our Leadership Essentials program in 2024, with over 180 participants having completed the two-day course facilitated by our own Learning & Development team.
We’re also proud to support the next generation of talent, with more than 46 apprentices and 5 graduates currently building their careers across our Facility Management business. During this period, 5 team members successfully completed their apprenticeships – a very proud milestone.
Mentoring and professional development remain central to how we support growth, with over 78 employees taking part in our Internal Mentoring program. We also closed out 708 salaried Review & Reflection and development plans for 2024/25, and set up 982 plans for 2025/26, ensuring our people have a clear pathway forward.
Feedback and recognition
Providing more consistent and meaningful recognition for outstanding performance and celebrating achievements.
We’re committed to recognising and celebrating the contributions of our people, and this year we’ve placed an extra strong focus on our internal recognition programs. Through the Programmed Difference Awards, we recognised 59 outstanding individuals and teams, with awards totalling more than $6,250.
Everyday efforts have also been acknowledged through 488 Well Done gift cards, valued at over $57,680, and we’ve celebrated the dedication of our long-serving team members with 598 service and anniversary awards, totalling more than $72,950.
Our employee referral program has seen 112 referral bonuses paid, totalling $57,500, as a direct result of our people helping us attract great talent into the business.
More initiatives introduced
We’ve also introduced a range of new initiatives this year to further strengthen our culture, support our communities, and create a more inclusive and flexible workplace.
The introduction of Local Diversity Champions gives employees the chance to get directly involved in championing diversity initiatives and significant events within their local offices and branches. We’ve also deepened our partnerships with community and diversity-focused organisations, such as the Clontarf Foundation.
To encourage giving back, in December 2024 we launched Paid Volunteer Leave, supporting employees who want to contribute to causes in their local communities. To ensure everyone feels part of the Programmed team from day one, we’ve introduced welcome boxes to all permanent new starters upon commencement.
Finally, we’ve introduced greater flexibility with the option to substitute public holidays, allowing employees to observe days that are most meaningful to them, with approval from their line manager.
What happens next?
The survey will open on Wednesday 1 October and close on Tuesday 21 October. You’ll receive an email directly from Culture Amp with a link to complete the survey.
It takes around 10 minutes to complete. Please take the time to answer thoughtfully and leave comments if you’d like to expand on your responses. All answers are strictly confidential - your honesty is key to helping us shape our future.
Once the survey closes, results will be reviewed and presented to the Facility Management Leadership Team. Senior leaders will then review their existing engagement improvement plans to identify what needs to start, stop, or continue to ensure we’re making a real impact.
Giving back
As in previous years, we’re proud to continue our commitment to Lifeline. For every completed survey, Programmed will donate $5 to Lifeline. Thanks to your strong participation last year, we donated $19,985, a contribution that helps support people in emotional distress through 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
I’d like to personally thank each and every one of you for your participation and taking the time to have your say – your voice and contribution is essential in driving our success and developing our special Programmed culture.
Take care and stay safe,
Graeme Hurn
Chief Executive Officer
Programmed Facility Management
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