The flexible workplace is over for Tabcorp staff after an edict from CEO Gillon McLachlan

Tabcorp chief executive Gillon McLachlan says he expects staff to attend the office five days a week, putting an end to the Covid-era work-from-home phenomenon for the wagering giant.

Gillon McLachlan wants Tabcorp workers back in the office.

Tabcorp chief executive Gillon McLachlan says he expects staff in the office five days a week, putting an end to the Covid-era work-from-home phenomenon for the wagering giant’s 1000-plus employees.

Staff have been told the default position is to be in the office but there is flexibility if someone needed to work from home for a particular reason.

An email from Tabcorp’s executive team to staff this week described the move as a “really important step change” that would reset the organisation.

“Having us together as a team, focused and driving towards our goals will deliver outcomes and success,” staff were told in its Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane offices. “Being connected as a team also drives a winning culture and supports us to collaborate and achieve our best.”

The email said Tabcorp had had a flexible workplace for a long time and that would not change. “At times, you may need to work flexibly, for example starting or finishing work at different times, or working remotely for a day – you should discuss and agree these requirements with your manager,” the email read.

“Some of you may have formal flexible working arrangements in place and in these cases, nothing changes. To be clear however, your default position is to come into the office every day.”

Staff were told that while these changes were effective immediately, some may need time to adjust schedules and routines. “That’s fine, we just ask that you work with your manager and do this in the next four weeks,” staff were told. “This way of working is critical for us. Our commitment to you is to keep building an environment and a winning culture that you want and love being a part of. We’re looking forward to seeing more of you and achieving our goals together.”

Gerry Harvey says employees worked better as a team in the office.

NSW public servants were ordered back to the office last month and retail executive Gerry Harvey said he was surprised flexible work-from-home arrangements had lasted so long in the government and business sectors.

Mr Harvey, chair of electronics and home retailer Harvey Norman, said his company had never allowed people to work from home after Covid because of his belief employees worked better as a team in the office.

“We never believed it was a good idea,” he said. “Some people were not happy, but we never lost anyone as a result of the policy. I myself like to go into the office.”

Flight Centre managing director Graham Turner also supports the back-to-the office push, telling staff the “default position” was for employees to work from the company’s designated head office, regional office, or shop ­locations.