#workplace-flexibility

#workplace-flexibility

For some people, an ideal job would include more flexibility, such as working a shorter week or skipping the commute altogether. Recent research shows that four-day workweeks can improve employee well-being, satisfaction and retention. A FlexJobs study also found that 61% of workers would be more loyal if offered a four-day workweek, and 68% said the same about remote work.

"Legislating work from home is a waste," "And worse, it will harm young people, deplete Victoria's competitiveness, and unnecessarily add cost and red tape."

As more companies demand employees spend more days in their workplaces each week, some critics claim that tightening return to office (RTO) rulesin partaim to provoke resignations from employees unwilling to give up their remote or hybrid work arrangements. Reinforced RTO mandates, especially by large companies like Amazon and Starbucks, sparked accusations that management's tighter in-office requirements are a cover for pushing flexibility-loving workers to quit.

While this policy has been formulated to revitalise the economy, business leaders and HR teams have to consider how it will be implemented and its impact on employees. By increasing the number of working days in the office, businesses may achieve higher productivity and efficiency initially, but it can lead to increased stress and burnout among employees.

"When work is flexible enough so that women can be ambitious and have the time and bandwidth to raise a family, they're more likely to give it a try."

Summer Fridays were once seen as a perk that allowed employees some flexibility during the summer months... This has just lost a lot of relevance today. And there's a lot more intentionality around what employees are doing when they're actually in the workplace, primarily Tuesdays through Thursdays.

According to the report, more employees admit to the use of AI in 2025 (42%) compared to 2024 (26%), showcasing a growing reliance on technology in the workplace.

From April, WPP's team of 108,000 is expected to be in the office at least four days a week, facing employee pushback and petitions against new policies.