What is the best workplace change of the 21st century?

Australia has undergone a huge workplace change, with experts agreeing the way Aussies work has been completely overhauled.

Since the start of the 21st century Australia’s work landscape has undergone a number of monumental changes.

If you compare a typical Aussie office worker from 25 years ago to now, there are many undeniable differences, from the way work is completed, where the work is done and even those surrounding them in the workplace.

With so many major changes over the years, it is hard to choose which has been the most transformative to our workplaces.

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For example, the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns rapidly transformed where we work, with millions of Australians ordered to work from home.

As a result, remote and hybrid work has now become the norm for a lot of Aussies who had previously only ever known working in an office full time.

Work-life balance has become an increasingly important focus for workers, with the introduction of the Right to Disconnect and the four-day week movement gaining significant traction in recent years.

Then there are other changes, like companies favouring open plan offices over cubicles and casual work attire becoming more acceptable.

Another major transformation has been the rise of women in leadership roles, with leadership specialist, Amy Jacobson, noting it has been “both frustrating and fascinating to watch”.

Speaking to news.com.au, the author of The Emotional Intelligence Advantage, said we have now passed through the “frustrating” era where female leaders felt like they had to act like “one of the boys” to fit in.

“Resulting in unauthentic and at times defensive leadership, along with the abhorrent female quota tick-a-box that seemed to consume workplaces as a first reaction,” she said.

“Workplaces are shifting with an increased focus in areas such as emotional intelligence, diversity and inclusion and with these changes we are seeing more genuine female leaders being comfortable to own who they are and be true to their own leadership style.”

Ms Jacobson said this change has also resulted in increasing confidence among women in the workforce.

The leadership specialist named the introduction of the Right to Disconnect as another game changer for workplaces across the country, saying it signifies a “fantastic shift” in our mindset when it comes to work.

The law, which came into effect in August 2024, gives employees the right to refuse contact outside of their working hours. Staff are not required to monitor, read, or respond to contact from an employer or third party – within reason.

“With so many people pouring endless hours into work, the real measure of success in life had become disjointed. Success isn’t measured by job titles, pay packets and other materialistic things,” Ms Jacobson said.

“True success is happiness, and happiness means a healthy life balance between all our priorities. The realisation that the choice lies with us on how we prioritise our lives and choose to spend our time.”

Recruitment specialist Roxanne Calder said there are a number of changes that have made work “more human” over the years, with one being salary discussions becoming more open.

Speaking to news.com.au, the Earning Power author said there is no doubt that salary transparency has “shifted power dynamics” within the workplace.

The way Aussies work has changed drastically over the years. Picture: iStock

The rise of remote work has been one of the many significant shifts. Picture: iStock

“It is harder to ignore or, in some cases, justify pay gaps when information flows freely, forcing organisations to align compensation with contribution rather than bias or legacy,” she said.

“This openness has also built trust. Ultimately, it challenges leaders to explain not just how they pay people, but why.”

Another change that Ms Calder said has “forever redefined the way we look at productivity” is remote work, challenging the myth that you can only perform well if you are sitting at your desk in an office.

She noted this has been a test of trust for organisations, forcing many to shift the way performance is measured, rather than relying on physical presence as a barometer for how much work a person is putting on.

“If done well, remote work can create workplaces that are not only more efficient but also more humane, valuing results and wellbeing together,” she said.

Speaking of productivity, Donna McGeorge, author of the It’s About Times series, said the rise of AI within the workplace has been a “game changer”.

Artificial Intelligence has been one of the more recent changes to the way we work. Picture: iStock

The productivity specialist told news.com.au that, if used correctly, the new technology can give employees time back for more meaningful and high value work.

“Email drafting and meeting summaries are the most obvious places to start,” she said.

Other changes like open plan offices have also helped encourage collaboration and more dynamic communication, which can then lead to more productive working relationships between colleagues.

“The best open plan offices balance it out with purpose built spaces for collaboration and quiet spaces for deep work,” Ms McGeorge said.

She added that all the changes we have seen over the years are “signs we’re redesigning work to work better for humans”.

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