The world of work is evolving rapidly, with remote work and comprehensive employee well-being becoming top priorities. At the forefront of this transformation is Kerri Allen, leading one of Australia's most forward-thinking companies, Eucalyptus. As the Head of People, Kerri's leadership goes far beyond HR—it’s about shaping a company culture that empowers employees, promotes well-being, and ultimately drives business success. Through her forward-thinking approach, Kerri is redefining what it means to truly care for a workforce in a rapidly changing world.

Eucalyptus, known for its innovative approach to healthcare, aims to deliver exceptional results for both its customers and its people. The organisation isn’t just about providing telehealth services; it’s about delivering an employee experience that echoes the values of care, trust, and growth. In an exclusive interview with People Matters, Kerri Allen shares her vision of fostering a culture where employees feel truly heard, supported, and empowered to excel not only in their professional careers but also in their personal lives.

A culture rooted in purpose and trust

In a time when work culture is increasingly becoming the focal point for top talent, Eucalyptus has mastered the art of building a culture that’s not just aspirational but deeply authentic. The company’s mission is simple: to make healthcare more accessible. But what truly sets Eucalyptus apart is its commitment to bringing that same level of care to its employees. Under Kerri’s guidance, the company has fostered a work environment where employees are treated as valued partners in driving the company’s purpose forward.

“Purpose-driven work is more than just a buzzword for us at Eucalyptus,” Kerri says. “Our mission to transform healthcare is at the heart of everything we do, and that extends into our internal culture. When employees understand the bigger picture and see how their work directly contributes to something meaningful, they are more engaged and fulfilled.”

But Kerri understands that creating a purpose-driven culture isn't just about lofty statements; it requires actionable steps. From offering employees meaningful career paths to providing autonomy and trust, Kerri believes that empowering people to take ownership of their roles is essential for driving long-term success.

"We challenge our people to think beyond their immediate tasks," she explains. "At Eucalyptus, everyone from senior leadership to entry-level employees is encouraged to stretch beyond their comfort zones. It’s about creating an environment where growth is not just possible, but inevitable."

This approach fosters a culture of ownership and innovation, where team members are encouraged to bring their unique perspectives and ideas to the table. In a rapidly growing organisation, Kerri emphasises that this kind of collaborative mindset is key to Eucalyptus' ability to adapt and evolve in an ever-changing industry.

Well-being as the cornerstone of success

When it comes to employee well-being, Eucalyptus goes beyond traditional benefits. Kerri firmly believes that employee health is a key pillar to the company’s overall success. And this focus is not just about offering gym memberships or wellness programs—it’s about truly integrating well-being into every aspect of the work experience. The pandemic has underscored the importance of mental health, and Kerri is determined to lead Eucalyptus into a future where every employee has the tools they need to maintain a healthy balance in their lives.

“Our people’s well-being is paramount,” Kerri affirms. “It's not just about giving them time off or providing benefits—it's about creating an environment that supports their mental, emotional, and physical health at all times.”

In line with this, Eucalyptus has rolled out a series of initiatives aimed at fostering a holistic approach to employee well-being. For instance, the company provides subsidised nutritional meals and organises regular group activities like walking clubs and meditation sessions. These efforts are designed not only to promote physical health but also to build a sense of community and belonging among employees.

Kerri explains, “We’ve learned that people need more than just time off to recharge—they need a consistent, supportive environment where their well-being is prioritised daily.” Whether through flexible working hours, mental health days, or simply offering a listening ear, Eucalyptus is committed to supporting its people at every stage of their personal and professional lives.

Leveraging technology without losing the human touch

As technology continues to transform the workplace, AI and automation are rapidly reshaping many aspects of business. While some companies fear that AI will eventually replace human workers, Kerri Allen sees it as a tool to enhance the human experience, not replace it. At Eucalyptus, AI is integrated in ways that help HR teams streamline processes but also deepen connections with employees.

“We use AI to take over administrative tasks that would otherwise eat into HR professionals’ time, like scheduling interviews or managing benefits,” Kerri explains. “This allows our HR team to focus on what really matters: connecting with our employees, solving their problems, and helping them grow.”

AI is also being used to analyse employee engagement and well-being data, allowing Eucalyptus to track trends and quickly identify areas that need attention. However, Kerri is adamant that the role of technology should never overshadow the human element of leadership.

“The data helps us understand what’s happening in the workforce, but it’s our people leaders who take that information and use it to create meaningful change,” she says. “The balance is crucial—AI should support people, not replace the empathy and understanding that true leadership requires.”

Transparency as a pillar of trust

Building a culture of trust and transparency is one of the biggest challenges any leader faces, particularly in times of uncertainty. For Kerri Allen, this means being upfront about the challenges the company faces, and involving employees in the decision-making process. Whether it’s addressing organisational changes or navigating external challenges, Kerri believes that honesty and openness are vital to maintaining trust at all levels of the company.

"Transparency is not just about sharing the good news; it's about acknowledging the tough times and showing the team that we can get through them together," Kerri says. “In moments when the business faces hard decisions, such as layoffs or restructuring, it’s crucial that our employees feel included in the conversation, even if the information is difficult to hear."

Kerri’s commitment to transparency has fostered a culture where employees trust leadership to be honest with them, and in return, they are motivated to work together toward overcoming challenges. This level of openness creates an atmosphere where employees don’t just feel like cogs in a machine; they feel like integral parts of the company's journey.

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Building the future of work at Eucalyptus

As the workplace continues to evolve, Kerri Allen’s leadership at Eucalyptus provides a blueprint for how companies can thrive in a rapidly changing world. By focusing on well-being, purpose, and transparent communication, Eucalyptus is creating a workplace that not only attracts top talent but also keeps them engaged and fulfilled.

Looking ahead, Kerri is optimistic about the future. She believes that the next frontier of work will be defined by even greater flexibility, purpose-driven leadership, and an emphasis on mental health. “As the nature of work continues to shift, our approach to caring for our people will evolve as well,” she says. “But one thing will remain constant: our commitment to making Eucalyptus a place where people are empowered to do their best work.”

For Kerri, the future of work is not just about technology, efficiency, or profitability—it’s about ensuring that employees are supported in every aspect of their lives. It’s a vision of work where well-being isn’t a perk, but a fundamental right, and where employees feel truly valued as they contribute to something larger than themselves.

Through her visionary leadership, Kerri Allen is helping to shape the future of work—one where care, trust, and purpose are at the heart of every workplace.