Businesses are finding the latest omicron wave challenging for business continuity
As omicron case numbers surge, some of the nation’s biggest employers are abandoning policies designed to get employees back to the office and advising staff to work from home if possible.
Major Bank, Westpac and telco, Telstra have asked staff to start working from home if it’s possible to do so.
We are strongly encouraging our people to work from home if they can, wear a mask when they can’t, socially distance, and get their booster shot if they’re eligible,” Telstra’s group executive for transformation, communications and people, Alex Badenoch, told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“Those employees who can work from home may do so, with no requirement to be in the office,” a Westpac spokesperson said.
The move comes as chief medical officer Paul Kelly, earlier this week updated health advice and urged eligible Australians to get their booster shot, work from home if possible and wear masks.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has told employers it is up to them to decide on working from home and mask policies during the omicron outbreak but has made a clear statement by wearing a mask during his press conference on Wednesday and set the same expectation for federal MPs who are unable to socially distance when parliament sits next week.
Other large organisations contacted largely said no changes had been made to hybrid policies but there was a renewed push to wear masks in the office.
“We encourage our teams to follow recommended precautions, including ... wearing a mask indoors when unable to physically distance, and staying at home if unwell,” said Optus people and culture vice president, Kate Aitken.
Senior Optus executive and former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian told this masthead all companies were finding it challenging maintaining business continuity during this latest Omicron wave.
