New threat to Australian workplaces could see more employees working from home

Employees are taking a fresh stance against working from the office, with new data revealing some might quit if they’re forced to return to the workplace.

In a sign that working full-time from the office is a thing of the past, new data indicates Australians are threatening to quit their jobs if they’re forced back into the workplace.

According to survey results conducted by business service Employment Hero, one in two remote and hybrid workers said they would consider resigning from their position if their employer directed a five-day working week from the office.

Furthermore, Millennials were 61 per cent more likely to consider leaving opposed to their baby boomer counterparts, with those aged between 18 and 44 pushing for the hybrid workplace trend to continue post-pandemic.

First-time dad Dan, who didn’t disclose his last name for privacy, told news.com.au that working from home has significantly improved his productivity and has enabled him to spend more time with family.

The online education company employee works full-time remotely and said he would consider quitting his job if he was made to return to the office.

“All I need to do my work is my laptop, phone and good internet,” he said. 

“There’s no wasted time commuting to the office, wasted time in meetings or mundane conversations. As I’m a new Dad too, the time saved from commuting means I get to use that time with my wife and baby.” 

While Dan has noticed that separating from work and “switching off” has become difficult given his workspace is at home, he said the positives of working remotely “100 per cent” outweigh the challenges.

“It’s efficient as there’s no wasted time in commuting and wasted time in meetings that didn’t need to happen in the first place and I get to do all the life admin that may have been done on the weekends,” he said. 

“Also the benefit of working from home, means the relationships and conversations I have with co-workers are meaningful now.”

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One in two employees have said that they will consider quitting their job if their employer forces them to work from the office full-time. Picture: iStock

While Covid-19 previously played a role in keeping workers at home, the cost of living crisis has now taken over as the leading reason behind why workers are avoiding the office.

Almost four in five workers participating in the survey said working from home for part of the week eased financial pressures brought on by inflation.

The morning and afternoon commute, inability to have a work life balance, and childcare costs are among some of the other reasons why employees are choosing to work from home, as highlighted on social media.

“Since Covid, working from home is the best thing. I’m more productive and there’s less time off work,” one Melburnian posted on Facebook.

“You have the flexibility to do your job and not stress in traffic to and from the office, all the added expense and importance of all having the discipline to do your job.”

Meanwhile a Western Australian resident commented: “I enjoy working permanently from home. No more spending the equivalent of one workday a week travelling, no more having to pay for parking, fuel, and wear and tear on my car … and a lot less stress overall.”

Employees are finding that they’ve been more productive and have noticed improvements to their mental health since working from home. Picture: iStock

Despite the unemployment rate dropping to record lows throughout the year, businesses are still seeking to fill thousands of roles across the country.

And with so many positions for the same role on offer, Employment Hero’s Chief People Officer Alex Hattingh said employees have the upper hand when it comes to negotiating working arrangements.

“The writing is on the wall for employers who have a choice when it comes to providing remote working arrangements,” she said. “There is evidence that remote work provides benefits that an office attendance mandate simply can’t match.” 

“It is important to care about employees‘ financial health and overall wellbeing in the current economic climate, and one of the ways to do this is by giving trust and freedom.”

Additionally, Ms Hattingh said the benefits of working from home are not one-sided, with a productive and happy team some of the opportunities an employer can embrace.

“The icing on the cake of giving employees the option of flexible work conditions is that they will thrive more from both a mental health and work-life balance perspective.”

While the results of the survey indicate that remote and hybrid working is perceived to be better for mental wellbeing, work-life balance and productivity, there are still some perks about working in an office.

This includes less feelings of isolation, having better internet and equipment and being a part of the office culture.

“With the future of work undeniably hybrid and remote, employers need to look at how they can better support their teams to work to their full potential in each of these spaces,” Ms Hattingh said.

“By listening and providing support to your employees, you get to ensure that their self-fulfilment needs are met – this is the way to pave success and happiness in your business.”