Culture at Australian Bureau Of Statistics (ABS)

There is a very strong hierarchy which makes it clear who you're supervisor and higher ups are. That being said, everyone is very approachable and you have multiple opportunities to talk to high senior staff at a casual level. Everyone is also very friendly and supportive, and understanding that you are only fresh out of university.

Friendly, welcoming. Encouraged to take advantage of opportunities.

Most people seem happy whilst at work

I love the social side of it; getting coffee with my team and other teams we work closely with more days than not, walking up to grab lunch together, after work drinks on the Friday. Socially, everyone feels on the same level, whether you're APS2 or EL1

The culture is striving to be high performance, but there is a little way to go until we get there

In our office there are still remnants of a recent (last five years) period of extreme risk aversion. This appears to have hampered the development of a healthy office culture. There's appears to be a bit of a grass-roots movement to relax the restrictions that were once imposed, and this is making the office a more pleasant place to work. Hot-desking, and activity-based work also negatively impact on the culture of the office. For example, staff are encouraged to change desks every day which diminishes opportunities for staff to build rapport that might have been developed by people regularly being able to sit together. There are also perceptions of particular managers/directors in the office who are inflexible and curtail employees access to flexible work/life balance. Fortunately, my section affords me with a good deal of flexibility.

Very friendly culture. Structure is fine. Lots of cooperation and teamwork. Not many social activities outside of work.

The culture is very diverse and flexible. The structure of supervisors and managers means there is more than one person available to help or answer questions.

The culture is inclusive and accepting, all of my colleagues treat each other with respect. The hierarchy is significant, and can be frustrating, but for the most part doesn't get in the way of day to day work.

The culture is great! It is extremely family orientated and there are lots of social events to get involved in. From the Kids Christmas carnival, ABS ball to cheap drinks at the bar there are lots of ways to get involved.