Australia’s central business districts are bustling again, thanks to a resurgence in workers returning to the office as companies enforce stricter work-from-home policies.
Just two years ago, Sydney’s CBD was eerily quiet following Covid-19 lockdowns. This downturn devastated the small businesses that remained in the area.
Today, however, the tide has turned. Workers are returning in droves, turning the CBD into a bustling hive of activity once again.
So what do employees really think about bosses mandating a return to office work? Daily Mail Australia interviewed people in Sydney to find out.
Jake, who works in the financial sector, said his employer has increased the number of days employees are expected to be in the office to five days a week.
Workers in Sydney’s CBD (pictured) have spoken out about working from home
While companies initially pushed for a full-time return to the office, a number of companies have since compromised on a hybrid work schedule for those accustomed to working from home.
‘There are elements of flexibility that they have retained. “If for any reason you need to work from home, you can,” he said.
‘Once upon a time everyone was in the office, so for me it’s normal again and I’m fine with that.
“There are a lot of people who started working during Covid and it’s new to them and they feel like it’s quite tough.”
‘A large part of my work involves customers, so seeing customers makes a big difference. I think part of business is really important to be face-to-face again.”
Finance officer Jake (pictured) says he prefers to go to the office five times a week to interact face-to-face with clients and collaborate with colleagues
Nuno, an architect, said he is happy to be back in the office with his team.
“For our business, we discuss ideas in the office,” he told Daily Mail Australia.
“People have to work together to create good spaces, especially because we also have employees who are not very experienced, so we have to be there to guide them.”
But not everyone wants to be back in the office.
One worker said: ‘I was forced to go back to the office. I will look for another job. In the meantime, I work 7.6 hours a day. Not a second more or less.’
Another added: ‘My office went from full-time WFH for two years to full-time back in the office, effective immediately, as evidenced by the email. I went back a few weeks and hated it, but then left.’
While some companies are requiring their employees to return to the office five days a week, many others are offering flexible work arrangements.
Consultant Arun revealed that he enjoyed the flexibility of working from home as it allowed him to care for his two-year-old child.
“It’s easier to pick him up, send him to daycare, just be there if there’s something that needs attention,” he said.
‘The company I work for is very flexible in terms of working arrangements, so you don’t have to come to the office if you don’t have to.’
Arun only goes to the office once a week when he has urgent meetings to attend, but he often works from home for weeks at a time.
Two employees at one of the Big Four banks, who wished to remain anonymous, praised their management for endorsing a flexible work environment.
Architect Nuno (left) said his industry needed a concerted effort to create ‘great spaces’, adding that working in an office meant he could mentor younger architects
Consultant Arun (photo) goes to the office alone to attend serious meetings
“The way they handled it, for us at least, was very positive,” said one.
“They still encourage us to come in, they see the value of the face-to-face relationships, but they also see the value of that flexibility.”
The other added that “productivity has definitely increased, you can actually manage what we do now, and if you do, meeting in person is more meaningful and valuable.”
Another bank employee said that ultimately the productivity level is all that matters.
“If you deliver from home, of course you have to work from home, as long as you don’t take the p***,” he said.
The push for a hybrid work environment has also been noted by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Small businesses in the city, such as cafes and dry cleaners, are also starting to thrive as workers return (photo of Sydney’s peak travel time)
Jessica Tinsley, ACCI’s director of workplace relations, says flexibility around external activities should be ‘encouraged’ where possible.
“But we must avoid a ‘one size fits all’ approach,” Ms Tinsley told Daily Mail Australia, adding that “it’s just not possible for some employees to work from home.”
‘Some small businesses that are less able to support working from home mainly need staff on site.
“While employers understand the appeal of remote work, many companies tell us that an on-site presence drives greater productivity and collaboration.”
She noted a November ruling from the Fair Work Commission, which found it was reasonable for a company to require staff in the office for face-to-face interaction.
“Companies are finding they need to balance employees’ desire for flexibility with the real benefits of internal teamwork and immediate feedback,” Tinsley said.
“While hybrid models are becoming more common, there is real value in the energy of the office environment.”
A recent Fair Work Commission report from February found that working from home is not hindering productivity.
It also emerged that working from home ‘increases employment opportunities, reduces time spent commuting and provides greater flexibility to balance work and caring responsibilities’.