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03-08-2023
Bureau Report + Agencies
SYDNEY: As the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the way we work, Australians are now pushing for a future where remote work options become a permanent fixture in their lives.
The call for Work-From-Home (WFH) flexibility is growing louder as employees value the newfound work-life balance and family time it offers.
According to John Buchanan, head of the University of Sydney’s Health and Work Research Network, “All the deep changes in the Australian labour market have come out of crises. When you have a jolt, you never return to the way the world was.” This sentiment reflects the profound impact the pandemic had on the traditional work environment and highlights the desire for a more adaptable and family-friendly work structure.
Melissa Donnelly, the Community and Public Sector Union secretary, echoes the sentiment, stating that “What was possible around working from home has absolutely been transformed. This is what this deal achieves. It will have a flow-on effect across different industries.” Employees from various sectors are advocating for permanent remote work options to enjoy more control over their time and better work-life integration.
Nicholas Coomber, a drone operator working for a Melbourne property surveyor, stressed the importance of family time made possible by WFH. “You get more family time. You can actually finish work at five, rather than finishing at 
five spending 45 minutes trying to get home,” he said. Many workers find that not having to commute daily allows them to spend more quality time with their loved ones, a luxury they cherish.
As the debate over the future of work unfolds, Australian unions are fighting back against corporate leaders’ calls to return to the traditional office setup. Instead, they are striving to establish WFH as the norm, providing employees with the flexibility they need to balance personal and professional commitments effectively.
The demand for WFH flexibility represents a significant shift in work culture and how Australians view the traditional office environment.
It poses an essential question for employers and policymakers alike: Will they embrace the lessons learned from the pandemic and adapt to the changing needs of the workforce, or will they cling to old norms? As the country navigates this pivotal moment, one thing is clear: Australians are united in their call for a more family-oriented and adaptive approach to work beyond the pandemic.
