The Data Behind Your Workplace Culture with David Talbot of Talbot Mills Research

I sat down with researcher and political pollster David Talbot (Talbot Mills/The Enactor Group) to discuss his background in politics and polling, including his work with Jacinda Ardern during COVID.We also unpacked his workplace culture survey and what it means for generational engagement and leadership. David explained the methodology: around 1,000 Australians were surveyed using a weighted, census-matched representative sample.We discussed how pay and job security remain the top drivers when choosing a job across all age groups, including those aged 18–29 (pay 56%, security 51%), pushing back on myths that workplace perks attract Gen Z.We explored what respondents define as a ‘good workplace culture’—a non-toxic environment (19%), mutual respect (17%), and teamwork (15%)—and why most people are positive about their current workplaces despite nearly half dreading work and concerns about office politics.We also covered how under-30s prioritise career development and mobility, as well as the sharp AI anxiety among younger workers, with 62% expecting their job could be replaced within five years, with implications for morale, retention, and policy.