Culture at National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA)

Culture is strong, everyone feels approachable and open to support you. Socialising amongst colleagues is not as strong in regional offices but may be different in Canberra.

The people are all really good, I haven't yet had any issues with anyone. It would be better if there was greater galvanisation in the regions, it seems as if those offices don't have a very social aspect to them.

We have bosses that sit in offices, they are all hands on and work diligently within their teams, I have found the inclusiveness is a big thing. I have even heard others that have had the same experience as I in other areas.

I am currently in an area where there the workplace culture is a little problematic. In general, the severe hierarchy at the Agency is quite prominent. Cooperation can be limited by areas not wanting to take on extra work and claiming that certain projects/tasks are not their responsibility.

It is very supportive and really laid back. My director in particular is a mum and aware of people having other responsibilities so she tries to encourage people to work their 7.5 hours a day and then log off. Our branch covers quite triggering topics so we find opportunities to take care of wellbeing such as friday trivia/ morning teas/ walks in the sun. Decision making can still be quite top down.

as with all workplaces there are some issues but for the most part its good

The work environment is friendly and kind. People are not racist so that helps a lot

I think this can be quite variable depending on the work area, but in my experience it has been very supportive, cooperative and people are trusted in their work.

From my experience, the NIAA is a highly motivated workplace, with its individuals very committed to specifically working in Indigenous Affairs, improving the lives of Indigenous Australians. I have worked in both corporate and regional engagement, and have found every person I have worked with to be a dedicated team player. In my short time here, I have seen many examples of strong leadership.

Culture is great - executive staff and management want to meaningfully engage with thoughts and ideas of their employees. Work is often collaborative, but individuals still own pieces of work and are empowered to lead on them. There is also quite a social culture - lots of coffee dates, BBQs, networks to join etc.

The team is amazing, really great culture, everyone is really friendly and willing to help, even though they are working over capacity. It is very well-structured, with a lot of support from higher-up levels.

I have found it to be a very professional workplace but I don't see a lot of evidence of a strong social culture in the Canberra head office of the NIAA

No contact outside of work hours, presentism is not an issue as everyone has different and varying work hours. No guilty feeling if you want to take some flex in the afternoon or start later in the morning. Feels very positive.

The culture within the agency is inclusive, open-minded and understanding. during my placements I have received a considerable amount of compassion and understanding for circumstances outside of work and believe it is a safe space to work.

Still very top down approach but when my branch are carers so they understand the need for flexible working.

Office culture is largely good, with a relatively flat hierarchical structure. Socialising opportunities exist but wfh options mean this isn’t always in the office.

Minimal after hours culture agency-wide, seems to depend on the team. I think the in office culture varies team to team, but I am less satisfied with my current team (started two days ago) and their approach to accessibility/disability. Across both teams, it comes across that people, including those in senior positions, are genuinely invested in my career, my development and my wellbeing.

Management are accessible and it is easy to talk to colleagues.

Good culture, friendly and easy-going team, supportive. No ego or ulterior motives.

A lot of executive-level people seem to work unpaid overtime regularly. However, there is no expectation that APS-level staff do this. With the occasional exception of an individual manager, the Agency is very flexible with working arrangements (flextime, working from home, etc.) Staff are generally personable and genuine and happy to chat about things not related to work.