This week we heard from our Prime Minister that “it’s time to get back to the office”. For those of us who have been remotely or flexibly, even before covid, the groans were audible.
But I will level with you. It’s not just the PM. We are talking to an increasing amount of employers who want their team back in the office. Or at least, the ability to be in the office. Remote work is not appealing for many Australian bosses.
Despite being able to pick from the best talent from all over the globe, this benefit often loses out to concerns around loss of culture, lack of communication and a general uneasiness over productivity. Real or not, it’s there.
But while openness to remote working is not common, more flexible options are definitely emerging. Shuffling hours, a mixture of office and home working part-time arrangements – employers are definitely more receptive to new ways of working.
So our advice is, be really clear over whether you want remote work or flexible work. They are two very different concepts – and different conversations.
