New work deals are killing the 'old' office

The Covid pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns accelerated the trend to more people working from home. It was a mixed experience.

For some, trying to find space and time to work in a household that wasn't set up for their needs, not to mention also juggling homeschooling and a partner also needing to work from home, was stressful. But for others, being liberated from the daily commute and being able to find a better work-life balance was life-changing.

Not surprisingly, then, while some have welcomed the chance to get back to work in the office, others have been wanting more flexible working arrangements whether this is working from home full-time or splitting time between home and the office.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics says 37% of employed Australians are now working from home regularly - down from around 40% in 2021 but still well above pre-pandemic levels.

However, recent times have seen more companies introducing back-to-the-office mandates. A survey of 300 hiring managers by specialised recruiter Robert Half in August found that almost 90% of employers are mandating staff to come to the workplace, for at least a few days a week. But it also found high levels of employee resistance. Some 31% of organisations had lost at least one employee because of in-office requirements, with another 40% expecting staff to leave.

WHY IT MATTERS

Businesses cite the need for face-to-face meetings, team co-ordination, use of office space and better productivity as reasons they want employees back at work. But for employees, flexible working arrangements can be non-negotiable.