Recognising the value of people-first workplaces, Oakley encourages portfolio companies to foster cultures where employees feel valued, supported and able to thrive. Oakley’s role as an investor is to support management teams in strengthening people practices in a way that is proportionate to each business’s size, sector and operating model.

Employee feedback and engagement

In 2025, 64% of portfolio companies conducted an employee engagement survey. This reflects, in part, the addition of newly acquired and smaller businesses during the year, where formal survey processes are still being introduced. The average survey response rate increased to 74% (from 62% in 2024), supporting more robust insight into employee sentiment. Engagement measurement approaches also continued to evolve, with more companies using eNPS and a growing number adopting bespoke scoring approaches, including Likert-style scales, tailored to their operating context.

To support companies seeking to introduce or enhance engagement surveys, Oakley engaged with a range of leading employee survey platforms and facilitated introductions, helping ensure employee feedback is captured in a way that is appropriate for each business.

Culture and people priorities across the portfolio

Beyond engagement measurement, many portfolio companies continue to invest in initiatives that support retention, development and wellbeing. Common themes include strengthening career development and internal mobility, enhancing benefits, flexibility and wellbeing support. The case studies that follow highlight how portfolio companies are strengthening culture and putting people first in ways that reflect their business models and workforce needs.

Health and safety

While much of the portfolio is predominantly office-based – and health and safety risks are typically lower than in more industrial settings – companies are encouraged to maintain robust health and safety practices. In 2025, 74% of portfolio companies reported having a health and safety policy in place and 76% provided health and safety training to employees. Reported work-related injuries decreased by 6%, and days lost due to injury decreased by 35% compared to 2024.

As Oakley’s portfolio continues to grow across regions and sectors, the focus remains on sharing actionable insight, supporting best practice and helping portfolio companies build engaged, healthy and high-performing workplaces.