X-Factors and Employee Outcomes

Executive · P&C · Leaders Updated July 2026

The X-Factors are employee outcome measures. They test whether the employee experience is translating into positive sentiment, commitment and advocacy.

The Key Drivers help explain why the X-Factors may be strong or weak. In practice, the X-Factors tell us whether the experience is working; the drivers help us understand what to improve.

X-Factor Question What it helps indicate
X1.1 Experience Overall, my experience working at Council has been positive A high-level test of whether the day-to-day employee experience is favourable.
X1.2 Intent It would take a lot to get me to leave Council A retention signal that points to whether people are likely to stay.
X1.3 Advocacy I would recommend the Council as a great place to work A reputation and trust signal that influences attraction and employer brand.
X1.4 Pride I am proud to work for Council and of the work we deliver A purpose and community connection signal that reflects commitment to Council’s work.

How to interpret X-Factors

Pattern Possible interpretation
All X-Factors are strong The employee experience is translating into commitment and advocacy.
Intent is weaker than other outcomes Retention risk may need attention, especially for critical roles or high-demand work groups.
Advocacy is weaker than experience Employees may feel the internal experience is reasonable but not compelling enough to recommend Council externally.
Pride is strong but drivers are weak Goodwill and community purpose may be carrying the experience despite operational friction.
X-Factors are weak and driver scores are weak Council may need a focused organisational response rather than isolated team-level actions.
Tip · Action principle

Do not try to “fix” an X-Factor directly. Use the Key Driver results to identify the practical levers that are most likely to improve experience, intent, advocacy and pride.