A report released by the Productivity Commission has investigated how the move to working from home may impact Australia’s economy generally and individuals’ income, employment opportunities and health and wellbeing.

It highlights the shift to working from home caused by the pandemic is one of the biggest changes to the way we work in the last 50 years.

“In less than two years we have gone from less than 8 per cent of Australians working from home to 40 per cent. While this percentage may not always remain so high it is inevitable that more Australians will work from home,” Chair of the Productivity Commission Michael Brennan said.

“On balance working from home can unlock significant gains in terms of flexibility and time for employees and could even increase the nation’s productivity.

“Risks can be managed but we should keep an eye on them and be ready to intervene if necessary,” Chair Michael Brennan said.

The report says all indications currently suggest we should not stand in the way of this evolution.

The pandemic created a ‘forced experiment’ where suddenly working from home has become much more common, accepted and expected by employees and employers.

The next wave of experimentation will see employees and employers choosing to implement work from home models that work for both parties.

“Working from home won’t suit everyone or every business but for many employees working from home arrangements will be a factor in deciding which job to take.

“Some employees have even indicated they would be prepared to take less pay in return for the ability to work from home,” Mr Brennan said.

The Commission’s report says that at this stage governments should support the work from home transition and don’t need to take any immediate direct action.

“There is a long history of technology enabling different ways of working. The forced experiment of COVID-19 has greatly accelerated take up of technology including that which assists working from home opportunities,” he said.

Managing the return to office-based work

There has been an increasing level of interest from employers and employees about the question of whether an employee who has been working from home can be directed to return to working in the workplace.

To assist our members with this tricky matter, AREEA has prepared a brief Member Advice document detailing the circumstances in which an employer can direct an employee to return to work in a workplace, and important considerations when doing so.

These considerations include health and safety guidelines, employment contracts, flexible working arrangements and more. AREEA’s member advice looks at these matters and where to get additional support.

Request your copy of AREEA’s Member Advice: Managing the return to office-based work via [email protected]

Note: this advice is available for AREEA members only. If you are unsure if your organisation is an AREEA member, ask us via the above contact details.