Council’s winning culture drives efficiency and output improvements
WAKEFIELD Regional Council’s positive workplace culture has led to a major reduction in its road network backlog and delivery of significant township upgrades.
The development of Council’s One Team approach, a workplace culture initiative established in 2020, has driven an increase in employee satisfaction, resulting in project delivery growth.
“Since embracing our One Team approach, employees are empowered, positive, respected and valued, and working together towards the ambitious Wakefield 2030 Community Plan,” WRC CEO Andrew MacDonald said.
“Increased efficiency through our One Team approach has seen us closing the backlog on Council’s road network renewals, the redevelopment of our swimming pools and the delivery of main street upgrades in both Hamley Bridge and Balaklava with Blyth and Port Wakefield next on the list.”
WRC staff are also noticing the changes the One Team approach has made in Council’s day to day operations.
“Our annual staff survey has netted a 41% increase in employee pride in working at Council and a 43% increase in staff feeling valued,” Mr MacDonald said.
“These figures are a testament to how the One Team approach and culture values are not only positively impacting staff, but are in turn delivering results for our community.”
The One Team initiative received state level acclaim, winning the Excellence in People and Culture category at the Local Government Annual Leadership Excellence Awards at the Adelaide Convention Centre, Friday night.
Wakefield’s One Team approach was top of the class in a field of three other finalists including Kingston District Council, City of Onkaparinga and City of Charles Sturt.
At the core of Council’s One Team approach are six culture values;
- We put safety first
- We deliver exceptional service
- We work as one team
- We create a positive and supportive workplace
- We respect and value all people
- We are empowered to achieve great things
“These values have been at the centre of Council’s operations since their implementation in 2020 and helped us deliver major projects across our region.”