'The more our experience of work is shared, the more united we become'
Public servants in New South Wales have been ordered to return to workplaces, according to reports.
The Premier's department issued a directive on Monday ordering each agency to come up with its own policy on workplace arrangements, news.com.au reported.
"This circular does not strictly prescribe patterns of attendance … However, the starting position is that work is principally done in an approved workplace in NSW," said the directive as quoted by the news outlet.
A formal reason and explanation of circumstances is required for a public servant to be allowed to work from home regularly, which the head of HR needs to know and have a formal record of.
Work-from-home arrangements should also be for a defined period and regularly reviewed, the memo read.
Reversal of flexible working arrangements
The order revises the widespread flexible working arrangements that have been in place in NSW's public sector since 2019.
It acknowledges that these arrangements have been beneficial in attracting and retaining "talented people, particularly people with carer responsibilities and other commitments outside of work."
"On some occasions, NSW government sector work can productively be done from home," the directive read. "However, that is not available to all (staff) in all circumstances and the opportunity to work from home should not be taken for granted or considered unlimited."
Reasons for office return
The memo pointed out an issue with remote work where new public servants miss out on the benefits of learning from experienced colleagues in person, reported news.com.au.
"These outcomes are supported by employees working principally at their approved workplace," the memo read. "The more our experience of work is shared, the more united we become. That means being physically present in our organisations."
The memo added the issue on publicly funded office spaces: "Effective use of public assets, including workplaces and offices, requires that they be utilised across the full working week."
This comes as the office vacancy rate in Sydney's Central Business District declines to 11.6%, with private businesses continuing to view CBDs as the "best place to do business," according to the Property Council of Australia.
