Workplace Forcing People Back to Office

poochi on 15/12/2020 - 12:11
Last edited 15/12/2020 - 12:25 by 1 other user

I work in a large government agency. Staff have been working from home since May. It was recently decreed that everyone is expected to work from the office at least 60% of the time next year.

Management have ignored all the benefits that have become apparent from WFH, such as improved mental and physical wellbeing, saving time and money on public transport, increased flexibility, etc., all the while maintaining (if not improving) productivity and staying safe.

Practical matters such as staff needing to take crowded public transport back to work or caring for family members more vulnerable to Covid have been ignored.

Anyone else work for an organisation that likes to claim it's modern and progressive while being the exact opposite?

Education & Work

Comments

      • serpserpserp on 20/12/2020 - 22:14

        What job is this? I want to apply

        Got any legal qualifications? Isn't a lot of money for law degree types, but hey, they were WFH about 2 days a week pre pandemic and constantly trying to scam more through various "appointments".

        $150k and working for home is my dream job

        It has its pitfalls.

        I know so a couple of people that earn far more money than that and work from home full time. Over the years they have gotten use to it, but the first 5-7 years were rough with the isolation, dealing with management from afar (ie. harder to sell yourself for promotions in organisations that require multiple upper management buy-in's to get the new jobs) .

        Personally in the last 9 months of WFH in my job, I found it harder than I thought it would be (new job role and organisation for me though). I mean the flexibility is great but I find myself pacing myself during the day and which then leaves me open to working at night a lot which is something I don't want to do. Also means I do most of the household stuff to cause I'm here 100% of the time. Also to say my workspace is lacking would be being nice about the situation.

        I'm hoping to get back into the office in the new year, if only to remind myself how good I have it working from home! I'll be able to choose how many days I work from the office, so I might end up just doing 1 a week or maybe 1 a fortnight anyway.

        • Homr on 20/12/2020 - 22:25

          Why would you want a promotion if you're already earning $150k+? You also mentioned that its far more money than 150k, so 200k?

          • serpserpserp on 20/12/2020 - 22:26

            @Homr:

            Why would you want a promotion if you're already earning $150k+?

            I don't know what drives that person. But maybe they want to move up to a better role, earn more money, why not?

            so 200k?

            Much more.

            • Homr on 20/12/2020 - 23:52

              @serpserpserp: 250k and still looking for a promotion, that some driven person right there

  • Stevecro on 18/12/2020 - 07:27

    @serpserpserp I agree with everything you said, people slack off more than they are willing to admit when no one is watching. You are lucky to have a job, exercise some grattitude, a word which many in this country havent heard. These days its all about 'I'm entitled to', ' we should be entitled to'. Be greatful you are alive and have an income, get some perspective by looking at 3rd world countries and how many live there.

    • shutuptakemymoney101 on 18/12/2020 - 08:27
      +3

      The work my area does is time critical, simply put if it doesn't get done there are consequences and people notice. Not everyone has a good work ethic I agree but collectively punishing everyone because of a minority of slackers isn't great management either.

      Interestingly, since WFH began we have found sick leave taken has dramatically decreased, the hours of productivity gained back by this drop actually amounts to the equivalent of hiring an extra full-time staff member, I think this is pretty significant.

      • p3nf0ld on 19/12/2020 - 11:57
        -2

        Because you don't need to use your sick leave - you just stay home & work at 20%.

        • shutuptakemymoney101 on 20/12/2020 - 09:14
          +1

          You did read the part about the work I do being time critical and if it's not done people notice?

          Even if this is the case isn't that worker more productive working at 20% capacity over a worker who takes a sickie and works at 0% capacity? The company has to pay the workers salary for the day regardless.

          • cameldownunder on 21/12/2020 - 11:24
            -1

            @shutuptakemymoney101: If you are sick on monday but you decide to work, productivity = 20% + 20% + 20% + 20% + 20% = 1 day worth of work, because you stay sick for the rest of the week

            If you take a sick leave you productivity will be 0% on Monday, but you will have 100% for the remaining 4.

            • FrugalDealHunter on 21/12/2020 - 21:01
              +1

              @cameldownunder: Straw man argument. Just because their home for one day doesn’t mean they’ll get better next. They could have similar chance of recovery as a taxing commute isn’t there. Or even less chance to get sick in the first place as you’re not in close proximity to others on a packed train, tram or bus.

          • p3nf0ld on 21/12/2020 - 11:25
            -1

            @shutuptakemymoney101: Not really because the employee can later use the leave to take a 'sickie' and head to the beach.
            So like 20% + 20% + 20% + 20% + 20% + 0% + 0% + 0% + 0% + 0% = 1 day of work for 10 days pay.

            • shutuptakemymoney101 on 21/12/2020 - 20:00
              +3

              @p3nf0ld: We are seeing fewer sick days being taken and better productivity because of WFH, if you choose to believe otherwise with made up work percentages then that's up to you :-)

  • love2buy on 18/12/2020 - 08:53

    Wfh if you have covid. Come back to work if it is safe to do so.

  • monky on 18/12/2020 - 10:55

    Anyone else work for an organisation that likes to claim it's modern and progressive while being the exact opposite?

    Worked in-office every day during the pandemic in a building without staff parking and very minimal, cramped amenities.

    Eventually there was a case in our office and many staff had to be tested, workload was down understandably which made the client annoyed. Luckily there was no local spreading, but it was a bad enough scare and loss in productivity that they didn't renew the contracts of anyone on our floor, and shut down the whole operation indefinitely.

    Consider yourself lucky you rode most of the storm out, and good luck with the new work schedule.

  • OzBrogains on 18/12/2020 - 11:08

    Reality check -

    1. Your bosses aren't stupid and know how busy your role truly is.
    2. Assuming you don't have a busy role (APS in December, don't kid yourself) and for someone who is very vocal about wanting to WFH (judging by your OP), it's probable that none of your colleagues in the office/managers really believes you'll be doing anything productive at home.

    If you want this perception stuck with you, continue to be carry on and fight to "W"FH.

    • Ti-au on 18/12/2020 - 12:48
      +1

      Probably little to do with productivity.
      I mean many Gov contractors have WFH already.
      Its probably more because the politicians are being yelled at by big companies (and big landlords) to get Gov employees spending money in the cbd and justify the astronomical CBD office rents.

      • RocketSwitch on 22/12/2020 - 09:32

        Telstra already has almost full WFH. Microsoft has permanent WFH. Actually, some of the biggest companies in the world have WFH. If a company doesn't offer WFH, or allow the worker to do their job, they're backwards, controlling and nothing short of a modern-day dictator promoting modern-day slavery.

  • kokita on 18/12/2020 - 11:20
    +5

    Going back to the office is the government's agenda. To payback all the infrastructure projects by using public transports and to make us spending the retail/food businesses in CBD.

    https://www.hcamag.com/au/specialisation/workplace-health-an…

    If majority still WFH, we will see more taxes or levies for the individuals and companies. Just sayin.

    • Dr Prepper on 18/12/2020 - 15:12
      +3

      Correct the government wants people to return to the office to stimulate the economy by blowing every cent we make on travel costs, coffees , lunches and buying work clothes, instead of tax free pursuits like hookers and coccaine.

      • serpserpserp on 20/12/2020 - 22:29

        instead of tax free pursuits

        Bitcoin.

  • dealhunting007 on 18/12/2020 - 12:05
    +2

    If you are not happy, maybe find an organisation that supports the style you expect and find role that is more suitable and is possible to work from home. Eventually everyone ll be back to work with covid safe plan. Even during pandemic essential workers were still going to work.

  • John Smith 30283115 on 18/12/2020 - 14:04
    -2

    Anyone working from home is just begging to be offshored.

    You guys had better be REALLY
    good at what you do….

  • mousie on 18/12/2020 - 14:21

    Do you work for the Paper shredding department for NSW?

    If so, that job has to be done in the office.

    • serpserpserp on 20/12/2020 - 22:32
      +1

      Do you work for the Paper shredding department for NSW?

      Funny that I know someone in one org. whose job is 50% scanning documents to be filed/sent around the traps. One day they were called to ask where this doc was and was like "I'm working from home, so it isn't done, what do you want me to do about it?" Like, better get in the office son and sort it out! It is part of the job :D

  • Kenny Powers on 18/12/2020 - 15:02
    +6

    What does it matter if WFH improves mentality, wellbeing etc. You are working for them. If they require you to work from the office then too bad. Quit if you don't like it. At least you have managed to keep your job.

  • Dr Prepper on 18/12/2020 - 15:06

    Sounds like politicians are getting horny again. They wanna mingle in the Canberra bubble.

    https://www.abc.net.au/4corners/inside-the-canberra-bubble/1…

    I have a feeling your bosses are using the reluctance of some staff to return as an opportunity for HR to trim the fat .

  • pippohippo on 18/12/2020 - 16:34

    sounds like my current job. Wants to be with the times and technology but refuses to adopt new tech, WFH wasn't allowed and forced to be in when the rules were if you "can" you should.Eventually allowed to WFH when rules were "you must" WFH. Moment it was eased got forced back in. Productivity declined due to bad management and half the team quit when lockdown eased a few weeks ago.

  • cnrmlj on 18/12/2020 - 16:54

    I work for a large bank and we have been told 2 - 3 days per week from some time in the year (start date seems to depend on state).

    My wife works for a large insurance company and same thing.

    There are pros and cons of working from home and working in the office.

    I think 2 - 3 days per week at home and in the office as long at least 1 or 2 of the days in the office are coordinated with others in the team you work with is a good thing.

    We started working from home in March and i have been in the CBD 3 times since. It's quite sad seeing all the closed down and struggling business especially the sandwich shop i used to visit most days that is no longer there. Mind you, alot of business in the burbs and other businesses have surged.

    • John678 on 18/12/2020 - 21:44
      +2

      There’s no benefit for me. 50 minute commute. Parking. My projects are my projects. My team have their own stuff. I don’t get this “collaboration” nonsense.

      • cnrmlj on 19/12/2020 - 15:30
        +2

        Cool. My projects are not my projects, they are the companies and i contribute to and no one is skilled enough to do everything end to end. It's very useful to get others views and support to get things done.

  • dexx on 19/12/2020 - 00:33

    Its interesting that the media hasnt really spoken in depth about this massive WFH experiment which was forced on the world by Covid. Its been a massive thing.
    Yet all we see are a few puff pieces.

      • jv on 21/12/2020 - 10:19
        +3

        with a 98.3% survival rate.

        and about 20% of those that survive have serious, ongoing health problems and many will have them for the rest of their lives…

      • smartazz104 on 21/12/2020 - 12:44
        +4

        Go get infected and shut the hell up then.

  • deadcat on 19/12/2020 - 01:24
    +4

    I think I work for the same department, OP. The funny part is that management have been telling us we have been more productive working from home. The real reason is that the government wants their workers back in the office to simulate the local economy (buying coffee, lunch, etc).

    In my case the 60% really sucks as I have moved into a role where my whole team is interstate. That means when I am in the office, everything is via WebEx or Teams…. same as working from home. The difference is at home I have a triple monitor set up and quiet home office… at work I have noisy people nearby, and two shitty 19" monitors.

    • SlavOz on 20/12/2020 - 10:26
      +2

      The real reason is that the government wants their workers back in the office to simulate the local economy (buying coffee, lunch, etc).

      Classic Aussie mentality. Why should businesses have to innovate and adapt if we can just force people to shop there?

      No wonder we have very little innovation here.

    • smartazz104 on 21/12/2020 - 12:45

      You'd think all these small businesses would have some money stashed away from paying staff cash-in-hand.

  • ratman on 19/12/2020 - 07:59
    +3

    Same for me, altho many staff echo what your saying, company-wide productivity has actually been absolute garbage with everyone wfh. Im looking forward to being back.

  • BrokenChairs on 19/12/2020 - 13:21

    WFH during a pandemic and public health crisis was a necessity.

    WFH outside of that is a privilege. The business has the right to set the terms of work - if they have a flexible work policy, you can negotiate a suitable arrangement with your manager.

    IMO 60% sounds very reasonable.

    • D3HUN on 19/12/2020 - 13:40

      @BrokenChairs

      WFH outside of that is a privilege.

      I hate to read this all the time. But agreed, it is a privilege - for the employer. Just think about all the cost saving, etc.

      In all seriousness, it can be a win-win is executed properly and depending on the role/industry, but the 9-5 is a an invention from the industrial revolution, when they needed all the people to be in the same place in the same time. This is not necessarily the case today, so it is just the perfect time to come up with better ways.

    • darkmattersunB6c0MV on 20/12/2020 - 08:22
      +1

      Wonder why people are negging you?
      Seems logical.
      Maybe, don't make it mandatory , but start with optional.

      • D3HUN on 20/12/2020 - 22:41

        They are negging because they are either employers who like to do with the employees as they please
        OR they are employees who did the same thing over and over for 30 years and can't think outside of the box.
        OR (giving the benefit of the doubt), they work in an industry/role when efficient WFH is not possible and they can't think outside of the box.

        • BrokenChairs on 21/12/2020 - 14:42

          If you don't let workers WFH 100% of the time it's not thinking outside the box? Please.

          I literally said WFH 60% of the time seems like a reasonable arrangement. That's hardly abusing workers rights or failing to be flexible on rigid workplace mentality.

          The reality is, as a result of the pandemic, business are going to have to offer more flexible work arrangements and WFH will become a lot more common. It's unlikely that we'll ever return to the office environment of old. That said the workplace hires employees to do a job, and have the right to set the terms of the work depending on business needs.

          While WFH can be beneficial to all parties, there are also a number of cons.
          Some factors you may want to consider:
          - there's a lot of value to be gained through social connecticity and inter-team learning, and Microsoft teams & zoom isn't an adequate replacement. Research suggests that teamwork sufferers when a majority or team members WFH - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32214593/
          Also, https://news.stanford.edu/2020/03/30/productivity-pitfalls-w…
          - WHS factors given that workers homes are considered a workplace, and there being limited opportunity for the businesses to control associated risks.
          - businesses are likely to be tied to long term commercial leases. It may be some time before a business can move towards smaller office footprints. What happens to that unused space in the meantime?
          - increased blurring of work/home responsibilities contributing longer work hours & poorer work-life balance. E.g. recent survey https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/06/coronavirus-covid19-r…

          It will be important for businesses to weigh up the above, and make an assessment as to what the optimal WFH/office balance is for their particular workplace.

          If you believe a 60% WFH arrangement is unreasonable and you would prefer to work for an employer that offers 100% flexibility, then you're welcome to apply for jobs elsewhere.

          • D3HUN on 21/12/2020 - 15:14

            @BrokenChairs: Thank you for taking the time to explain your point!

            I see your 60% point, but I reacted to the 'privilege' bit and then to the people negging my comment.

            I agree, WFH/remote work is a new phenomenon in many industries and we need to find the best ways to come up with mutually beneficial ways/processes/structures to replace/enhance the old "we are doing this way because we always did it this way".

            To reiterate my original point: I still don't agree to stamp it as an employee's privilege to work from home. There is a lot to win from an employer's perspective (less lease cost on the long run, less office-related expenses, access to a wider talent-pool, flatter structure within the organisation).

            So is it 0% or 20%, 60% or 100%? Yes, the employer has the final say, but then they might end up with less people applying for a job for the said employer. The relation between an employee and employer is practically a contract, which needs acceptance from both parties, and either party has a right to walk away if the terms are not right.

            I feel like we are on the same page, aren't we?

    • Cheaplikethebird on 21/12/2020 - 10:00
      +1

      The pandemic ended?

      • BrokenChairs on 21/12/2020 - 13:37

        The public health emergency has largely ended for many parts or australia, hence the opening of boarders and lifting of social distancing restrictions.

        Of course there's certain locations where the risk is much higher (sydney currently, Victoria recently). But OP isn't suggesting their organisation is failing their covid-safe responsibilities, they're complaining that the business wants them to come back to the office half the time they're working.

  • D3HUN on 19/12/2020 - 13:36
    +1

    Are you in Victoria by any chance?

    https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/as-busy-as-bourk…

    Ten major employers have vowed to return at least 70 per cent of their workforces to CBD office towers as part of a push to reinvigorate the ailing city centre, as traffic data shows road congestion across Melbourne has returned almost to normal.

    …

    Major organisations including NAB, ANZ, Metro Trains, PwC and Telstra have signed up to a City of Melbourne "CEO pledge", vowing that as soon as public health restrictions are relaxed, they will bring at least 70 per cent of their workforce back to the CBD.

    …

    Essentially, they need you back into you cubicle so you spend money in the CBD.

    • mitty on 19/12/2020 - 22:36

      That story was misreported. Of course major companies have been in discussion with the city of Melbourne, but nobody has signed a "pledge". I work for one of those majors mentioned, and quite obviously things going forward are going to be VERY different. Some people plan to come back 2/3 days a week. Others plan to only come in when absolutely required. Depends on the individual. Nobody is going to force anyone to do anything, and as long as you can show you are doing the work required, who would care where you do it from? I've already had multiple colleagues who have moved or are moving interstate because essentially, most people can now work from anywhere they like.

      People will come back into the CBD but it's already a very different place. Walk down the Bourke Street Mall, a very large number of shops are empty. The CBD has changed irrevocably and it's going to be a very long time before it's back to anything resembling what it was before.

  • Sidog on 19/12/2020 - 13:56

    Was WFH full time during the lockdown for 6 months back in the office 50% of the time and honestly I way prefer the balance.

  • darkmattersunB6c0MV on 20/12/2020 - 08:19
    +2

    There are pros and cons for both approach.
    When there is face to face interaction required, I request the team to come in. Otherwise, with the modern tools like Miro board ( and others) you can collaborate in real time.
    A good balance is going in to the office a recommended ( not mandated) day or two per week agreed by the team to have a bit of overlap, OR more/less frequently as necessary and agreed with the manager.
    Personally, I have found that working from home often means 10-12 hr days, and work from office is 8-9 hrs.
    A lot more gets done from home, but sometimes face to face is necessary.

    Edit: we do have dedicated quiet areas in our office.
    And modern tools to collaborate and meet, stream sceens to huge monitors and ample collaborative space in the office.

    Can get quite busy when most people come in, but otherwise physical distance and ample sanitizer/ alcohol wipes are provided.

  • haemolysis on 20/12/2020 - 12:00
    -2

    It’s weird to me that people take this assumption that employees are slaves and should shut up and do as they’re asked or leave.

    How about… no??

    Welfare and employment conditions IS an employers concern. And I don’t just say that as some sort of commie, I mean remuneration and conditions are a part of negotiation in all jobs.

    Negotiation is an ongoing process. As times, conditions, company profit, technology, and the safety of our environment with an active pandemic changes, we not only have the right to ask for more, but if employers prove that it works, then they should EXPECT that we ask for more.

    “Shut up or leave” mentality is… absurd. I’ll do no such thing.

    • KaTst3R on 20/12/2020 - 15:41

      I know people who are out of a job since May are still looking. So most people will prefer to shut up…

  • Vote for Pedro on 20/12/2020 - 14:42
    +6

    Well, this may all change if you live on the northern beaches.

    Exactly the complacency that has led to the outbreak.

  • Frozensage on 20/12/2020 - 23:23

    U know government orgs are mostly backwards and you have ppl of all ages plus management are a result of being their for the longest time rather than actually having the necessary qualifications to “manage”. If they managed so well then all the consultants firms and life coaches will be out of jobs. So of course they want to see your ass at your desk so everything gets micro managed and you have no excuse to not be at one of the 20 meetings during the day. Even Teams has this bs 5min auto away thing, I go take a piss, or cut my toe nail and next minute I’m away, even if I’m sitting in front of the computer and reading a spec sheet, it will still Mark me as away, don’t tell me that’s not cause your boss wants to micro manage you.

  • endolphin on 20/12/2020 - 23:23

    It could be worse. You could work for Qantas. Below quote is from their CEO Alan Joyce.

    Speaking for myself and my executive team, we've been in the office throughout the crisis. It's fair to say we've had plenty of room to social distance. But what it showed is that there's no substitute for in-person collaboration. So, we want the vast majority of our people in the office in a COVID-safe way. I think it's easier to get things done and ensure everyone is on the same page. There is a place for flexibility, and I think this crisis has moved the needle a bit on what's possible, but big companies cannot be successful if the whole workforce is working remotely most of the time.

    • pogichinoy on 22/12/2020 - 02:47

      Alan Joyce is correct in many ways.

      Are you salty?

    • shutuptakemymoney101 on 23/12/2020 - 00:28

      The reality is he wants to get bums on Qantas seats jet-setting around the world ASAP, it wouldn't make sense for him to say anything otherwise.

  • jonathonsunshine on 20/12/2020 - 23:23
    +3

    My house mate works at Education QLD, during the height of Covid he was working at home. He refused to get a webcam, presumedly because it would interfere with him smoking bongs and playing runescape all day. He got made permanent about two weeks ago.

    I doubt he does much work when he's actually on site so I'll just be glad I dont have to look at the fat fck anymore when I'm passing through home between my two casual jobs.

  • The-Kremlin on 21/12/2020 - 03:53

    Government has never been 'modern and progressive'.

    • Dr Prepper on 21/12/2020 - 18:30

      In NSW we had Tripodi and Obeid in Government, that enough progress for us

      • Orico on 21/12/2020 - 21:02
        +1

        Obeid

        I've never met a Lebanese Obeid who wasn't a massive racist or criminal. Obeid's kids are even worse.

  • eugene2110 on 21/12/2020 - 07:33

    The company that I am with has almost 70% of the workforce back in office despite government regulations of no more than 50%. WFH is a long gone and it takes longer than ever getting into work due to congestion of public transport. Employees were told to put in extra effort to make up for COVID-19, so its more workload and longer hours but same pay. When you speak to the management, they say take one step back and be glad that everyone still have their jobs.

  • Yoo05 on 21/12/2020 - 09:58

    Not sure what Gov department you work for. Lot of the
    Have implemented flexible working arrangements not because of COVID, just to provide better work life balance.

  • Cheaplikethebird on 21/12/2020 - 10:06
    -3

    Ask HR whether they will be liable for your medical costs if you contract COVID while travelling to work or in the office, I'm assuming it wouldn't be hard to prove with contact tracing.

    • KaTst3R on 21/12/2020 - 11:00

      LOL!!!

      • Cheaplikethebird on 21/12/2020 - 11:01
        +1

        Got friends who work in HR, companies are having this conversation don't you worry.

    • gimme on 21/12/2020 - 12:19
      +3

      lol I stopped reading after ask HR <insert anything>

    • BrokenChairs on 21/12/2020 - 15:16
      +1

      That would be a journey claim matter for workers' compensation. Depending on the state, it may or may not impact the organisations insurance premium.

      How effective that question would be at getting what you want would be dependent on the level of risk. Unless you're in inner sydney right now, I suspect most workplaces would be comfortable wearing that risk.

      • Cheaplikethebird on 22/12/2020 - 14:49

        Not just travel to work, employers must ensure that their workplaces are COVID compliant or else they can be held liable. I'm sure some companies are eager to get their workface back into the office but the handful of workplaces I'm familiar with in Melbourne are all taking very cautious approaches. Where I'm working currently we're looking at a 1 week in the office then 2 weeks WFH.

  • ghostdom on 21/12/2020 - 11:11
    +2

    government job, WFH, oh well…..

  • sgtdanny69148 on 21/12/2020 - 12:46
    +3

    Tell them you live in the Northern beaches.

  • Abaddon on 21/12/2020 - 15:02

    We went back to our normal routine (1-2 days per week at home) back on July 1st and people on the whole are happier (most were itching to come back to the office to collaborate and socialise).

    How do you know people are more productive when working from home? I assume you are speaking for yourself there?

    The problem I find is even if it looks like the company is as productive or more productive, you may find some people are busting ass while others are being asses. Certainly heard that from a few of our clients who didn't go back to normal as early.

  • [Deactivated] on 21/12/2020 - 16:35
    +4

    Personally I don't understand why governments want to force people back into central locations. Whilst I enjoy working several days each week in the office I also see the huge benefits WFH provides the community, businesses and also governments. If anything government should be looking at this as an opportunity to change the world we live in and resolve so many issues.
    Less people commuting = less traffic, less pollution, less parking issues, reduced stress on housing, reduced stress on public transport, more flexible workforce, reduced need of childcare, the list goes on and on. If anything governments should be incentivising businesses to adopt a more flexible workforce going forward as it would create so many benefits for society.

    • RocketSwitch on 22/12/2020 - 09:34

      For some reason, some humans cannot see the benefits, I mean, that's exactly how you solve our traffic situation. But we're too stupid to realise solutions even if it repeatedly hits us in the head. Surely, we cannot be this stupid? Why are we this stupid?

      • [Deactivated] on 22/12/2020 - 15:21

        Very few politicians can make a decision that is right for society as their strings are being pulled from too many directions - the US & UK COVID situation are prime examples of this. Similarly speaking it is very hard to make a decision that impacts your financial situation negatively. At the end of the day money drives the world nothing else.

  • dreamscene on 21/12/2020 - 18:29
    -2

    People are getting soft working from home. Get back to work you lazy bum's. Factory workers and on the job workers had to work all through Covid and if at home, maybe just for 1-2 months on job keeper and then straight back to work most of the year. They never complain about 'hardships' fighting through a pandemic and still having to go to work.

  • krazek on 21/12/2020 - 19:09

    Rock up to work coughing on everyone and hacking up spit

  • whatgift on 21/12/2020 - 20:31
    +1

    As people have said, there are advantages and disadvantages of both. It's perfectly legitimate to have workers spend some time face to face with their colleagues, since a lot of helpful work discussion happens spontaneously, and maintains a good working relationship.
    I think a balance of both is the perfect solution personally!

  • kiwimex on 21/12/2020 - 23:42
    +2

    Saving time and money! are you prepared to take a pay cut to also save the tax payer money? TBH Honest you lost me at Government agency! The only thing Covid has done is prove that we could disband 50% of government workers and the quality of service would not change.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/12/2020 - 10:15

    I can see how an office can be made safe-ish from viral spread due to seating policies, surface wipe procedures, etc.

    But taking public transport is no less risky than it was. Look how quickly Covid spread in Sydney in the last week.

    I asked my company if they would provide parking for staff so they could avoid the commute. No answer.

    • mini2 on 22/12/2020 - 13:45

      I thought they've already figured out centralised HVAC could be an issue?

      Parking will be a bit hard; it could trigger an FBT event where someone has to pay for it.

  • Cheap Charlie1 on 22/12/2020 - 22:19
    +3

    WFH allows people bludge more easily that's why they like it.

    • OzBrogains on 31/12/2020 - 12:38

      It takes two to bludge. A bludgey employee and a shitty manager.

      A good manager will say to Mr/Mrs WFH "You can work from the beach for all I care, but I expect XYZ output from you by ABC date/time".

      • Cheap Charlie1 on 31/12/2020 - 14:40
        -1

        If your job can be done at home or the beach it's not real work. It can be outsourced to anywhere on the planet for significantly less.

        The newly minted WFH crew haven't worked a hard day in their lives.

        • OzBrogains on 01/01/2021 - 12:09

          Name me some office jobs that necessitates you to physically be present at an office, where technology can't help. Apart from those where the person must manually interact with something or someone, there won't be many. Are you saying all those jobs aren't "real jobs"? What is the tangible difference from logging into your computer physically at your employer's premises versus doing the same from home via VPN?

          I also bet a lot of government support systems which you/someone you know may be relying on were engineered by people while they were still in their pyjamas. I suppose those aren't real jobs though.

  • ddilrat on 31/12/2020 - 11:50

    I personally find a lot of benefit collaborating in person with my colleagues. I work in an operational engineering environment so WFH all the time is not an option. I think a 60% in the office would work best. To be fair this could easily reduce if my company spent money buying everyone a decent microphone and webcam.

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