Statement comes amid growing pressure to implement full in-office return
The Victorian government remained firm on its implementation of flexible work arrangements amid mounting pressure to bring back employees onsite, according to reports.
"We have no plans to roll back the existing flexible working arrangements," a statement from Premier Jacinta Allan's office was quoted as saying by news.com.au.
"We know that flexibility in the workplace helps more women stay in work and more women in the workforce is better for everyone."
Allan's statement assures public servants in the state that flexible work arrangements in the city will remain.
"Any public servants from New South Wales who like flexibility in their workplace should consider moving to Victoria," the statement added.
Office-return pressure
The statement follows the recent government order from New South Wales to bring public servants back to office "across the whole working week."
The NSW directive garnered praise from business groups and even Nicholas Reece, Lord Mayor of Victoria's capital Melbourne.
According to Reece, Victoria should also adopt the same approach, noting that Melbourne is "implementing modern flexible arrangements for those who need it."
Reece's call came as Melbourne's office vacancy rate went up to 18% from the previous 16.6%, according to the Property Council of Australia.
Mike Zorbas, chief executive of the council, noted that more office days can help the Victorian capital.
"Of note, Melbourne still faces stiff challenges. The Victorian Government simply has to get some of its workforce back a few days a week to support what must again be a thriving city," Zorbas said in a previous statement.
