Is the return to the office really worth it?

Words: Toni Hetherington Producer: Simone Kealy

Australia is in the midst of a 'Great Rethink' as workers weigh up if the return to the office is worth the commute, or if hybrid working or a new of role will shape their future.

Microsoft’s 2022 Work Trend Index report has found the biggest challenge for 36 per cent of Australian workers is knowing when to work remotely and when to go into the office.

Only a quarter of business leaders have created team agreements around hybrid work to define why and when employees should be in the office.

Ingrid Jenkins, head of HR for Microsoft ANZ, said it was a challenging time for bosses and employees who were still in transition.

We need to reassess our relationships with the companies we work for, while organisations need to listen deeply around how sentiments to work have changed and carefully consider how they respond.

“ — Ingrid Jenkins Microsoft ANZ HR Head

This meant organisations must define the purpose of in-person collaboration, create team agreements on when to come together in person and define hybrid meeting etiquette.

The study of 31,000 people in 31 countries found a gap between leader and employee expectations, with 59 per cent of Australian managers saying their bosses were out of touch with staff and they were wedged in the middle.

Jenkins says leaders should be having one-on-one conversations to understand how their workforce feels.

A key finding of the report was that employees had a new “worth it” equation, with 53% of Aussie workers prioritising health and wellbeing over work.

What workers want:• Positive culture: 46 per cent.• Mental health/wellbeing benefits: 42 per cent.• A sense of purpose and meaning: 40 per cent.• Flexible hours: 38 per cent.