In the last four years, there's been a significant shift in the way workers approach their jobs, with a growing emphasis on flexibility in the pursuit of work-life balance.
Before the COVID lockdown, the idea of working from home or adopting a "hybrid model" was rare, often seen as a lack of commitment. However, the perspective shifted dramatically in March 2020, when a substantial portion of Australia's workforce, spanning various sectors, had to transition to remote work.
While some of us enjoyed the perks of spending more time with loved ones and the comfort of working in slippers, others faced challenges such as isolation, unsafe domestic situations, or juggling work responsibilities with helping their children access education.
Whilst the move towards remote work is supported by an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare survey, revealing that almost three in five respondents (58%) reported similar or improved productivity with increased remote work hours, it's crucial to acknowledge the benefits of working in an office environment, including social interaction, mentoring, tailored training and development opportunities, rapport amongst staff and celebrating employee achievements.
From an organisational standpoint, supporting and empowering the workforce involves considering various factors. Whilst a business might embrace the idea of flexible working, they must continually review and refine models to ensure they strike a balance between company values, organisational culture, risk and financial commitments.
Conversely, many employees struggle to maintain boundaries as the line between working hours and personal time blurs. The increased reliance on digital communication tools, such as email, Teams, and Zoom, makes it easier to work longer, varied hours and consistently be “online” and "available".
Companies adopting a hybrid work structure, allowing flexibility while ensuring project targets and responsibilities are met, are highly sought after in recruitment conversations.
This approach aligns with a thoughtful wellness policy, further enhancing a company's standing as an employer of choice.
What are your experiences as employers and employees in navigating the dynamics of working from home and the push for more office-based work?