Queensland Supports Hybrid Work Model as NSW Promotes Return to Office Environment

Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) are taking divergent paths on hybrid working arrangements. Queensland will not compel public servants to return to the office, while NSW enforces a minimum three-day office presence.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles advocates for flexible working arrangements for public servants, highlighting the state’s strong economy and the rebound in public transport usage.

In contrast, NSW Premier Chris Minns pushes for a return to the office, underscoring the value of teamwork, mentorship, and a cohesive public service culture.

This contrast was underscored by the recent NSW government decree mandating that public service employees spend at least three days in the office each week.

Simon Draper, the Premier’s Department Secretary, told the media that employees in Sydney who relocated due to remote work arrangements during the pandemic may need to be adaptable.

“If they moved under the assumption that the emergency remote work arrangements would be permanent, they may need to adjust,” he remarked.

Miles, however, fully endorses the hybrid model, confirming that Queensland will not follow the same path for public service workers.

“I recognize that New South Wales is in a somewhat different position from Queensland,” he stated.

“Our economy remains robust, our CBD has seen a significant resurgence, and public transport usage is approaching pre-COVID levels as of this week.”

Moreover, a Tourism and Transport Forum study on CBD visitation earlier this year indicated that Perth is the most recovered capital city for workers. Brisbane’s CBD lags behind Melbourne and Sydney in weekend visitation but outperforms both in other metrics.

According to a prominent job search engine, 37 percent of Australians worked from home at least once a week in 2023, compared to just 13 percent before the pandemic.

The study also revealed that 45 percent of Australian workers are in a hybrid working arrangement, with 75 percent of remote workers feeling that their well-being improved due to flexible work.

The data suggests that the average Australian would be willing to accept an up to eight percent pay cut for remote work options.

Additionally, remote work was found to save two hours per week in commute time and $906 in expenses. In 2024, 97 percent of organizations in Australia offer some form of flexible remote work.

The report also highlighted that 62 percent of employers believe that providing remote work enhances their ability to attract and retain employees.

Interestingly, Google searches for “remote jobs” have increased by 342 percent over the past five years.

Despite these trends, a KPMG report from October 2023 revealed that two-thirds of CEOs anticipate having most staff back in the office full-time within the next two to three years. The survey included over 1,300 CEOs globally.