Hybrid work demands persist despite RTO mandates in Australia

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA — A recent Morgan McKinley survey underscores the Australian workforce’s enduring preference for flexible working arrangements, even as companies push for a return to office-centric models.

The data, gathered from over 3,400 professionals and 650 employers globally, including participants from Australia, revealed that 97% of Australian workers desire a hybrid or fully remote arrangement. 

Sixty-five percent would even forego a pay raise to maintain their desired flexibility. However, 65% of Australian companies are urging staff to return to the office more frequently than last year, signaling a potential clash.

“Four years post-pandemic, the global workforce is still grappling with the ongoing debate surrounding hybrid work models,” said Dominic Bareham, Managing Director at Morgan McKinley Australia. 

“Simply mandating a five-day-a-week office presence would likely encounter resistance and productivity dips.”

The survey found that the ideal work pattern for 56% of Australian professionals is one to two office days per week, while 24% prefer three to four days. Only 3% favored a full five-day office presence. 

Contrastingly, 56% of global companies are pushing for increased in-office time, including Hong Kong (91%), Australia (65%), Japan (62%), Singapore (61%), and China (59%).

“The current tightening [labor] market has spurred companies to mandate working in the office,” Bareham explained. 

“The approach that companies take is likely to differentiate themselves over many years to come and will see people moving organisations to find the ideal set up.”

As Bareham advised, “Companies need to implement a strategic and mindful approach to this remote rewind.”