Employers across the country are grappling with a workplace predicament that will define this decade: should there be a mandated return to the office? / (min cost $ 0 ) or signup to continue reading Globally big businesses support a return to office. Google, Meta and Amazon have told employees they must be in the office three days a week, while locally, companies like ANZ and Origin Energy are using bonuses to lure workers back to the office. When speaking with my clients, many are locked in the same debate.
What do we do about remote work? Do we bring our team back into the office full time? Or do we maintain a hybrid work model? For me, the answer is simple: businesses must embrace remote work - if possible, or if it makes sense to their operations. The pandemic fundamentally changed the working landscape, driving many businesses to adopt remote work practices and this in turn has had a positive impact on employees. Our recent research indicates that 78 per cent of employees believe working remotely, at least part of the time, reduces the cost of living.
Two thirds of workers from marginalised groups agree that remote work protects them from discrimination, and half of all hybrid and remote workers would consider quitting if their employer mandated a full-time return to the office. If remote work is beneficial for the people actually doing the work, why disrupt it? One of my employees, Jade, lives in Mount Gambier and prior to joining Employment Hero, was travelling up to 800 kilometres every week commuting to work. I firmly believe the number one factor preventing most city folk from packing up and going regional is the perception that there aren't as many high paying jobs.
Now Jade is able to work from home which has given her time back in her day to spend doing the things she loves, like walking her dogs in her lunch break. Remote work not only brings social and economic benefits to individuals. It also has the potential to bring about greater economic boost, especially if implemented more widely here in Australia.
Recent data shows Australia would be better off economically if there were a more even population distribution between the cities and the regions. In fact, economic modelling shows national GDP could be $13.8 billion larger by 2032, if more people lived regionally.
Regional Australia is an enticing place to live. There is space and natural beauty beyond measure, thriving economies and a wonderful sense of community. I firmly believe the number one factor preventing most city folk from packing up and going regional is the perception that there aren't as many high paying jobs.
Professionals are the most sought-after workers in regional Australia, plenty of positions offer competitive wages and the rise of remote working means the options are now endless. More locals, living regionally, on a good wage, means more money injected back into the local community and greater economic growth overall. We are at a crossroads.
If more businesses embraced a remote working model, the economic benefits for this country would be tremendous. To truly unlock the potential of regional Australia, we must embrace remote work. It is not only beneficial for employees, offering flexibility and improved wellbeing, but it is also a strategic advantage for businesses.
By hiring talent regardless of location, companies can build high-performance cultures and drive growth. The future of work is here, and it is remote. Let's seize this opportunity to transform regional Australia, providing quality employment and fostering vibrant, thriving communities.
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