Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan’s plan to legislate a right for employees to work from home at least two days a week has split opinion among business leaders and community voices.
Touch Projects founder and CEO Nick Savvas, who requires staff in the office four days a week, was “flabbergasted” by the proposal.
“I don’t understand why two mature people – a hiring manager and employee – can’t come to some agreement,” he told AFR Weekend. He fears the change could push employers to hire interstate or overseas.
Savvas, whose company has about 30 staff, said post-pandemic remote work had led to staff doing personal errands “all on the company time.”
“The government needs to stay out of this… We live in Melbourne, Australia. We have such a high bar,” he said, adding that the policy would make employers “more selective and careful” in hiring.
Former ALP campaign manager and pollster Kos Samaras says many Australians credit working from home with easing financial pressures.
“Hundreds, if not thousands… have cited to us that working from home has enabled them to save on childcare, travel expenses and has been a lifesaver for their family budget,” he said. For many, it is “the real difference between severe economic hardship and getting by”.
Vasso Zangalis, writing in support of the plan, shared her personal experience as a working mother during COVID-19.
She said remote work allowed her to participate in leadership roles, care for her children, and spend precious time with her late father.
Citing research showing productivity gains and environmental benefits, Zangalis praised the government “for being brave enough to have the vision to change people’s lives – and predominantly care givers/women’s lives – for the better”.
While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has backed the Victorian move, business groups have slammed it as unnecessary, arguing workplace flexibility should be left to employers and employees.
Allan has framed the policy as a win for families, women, and carers, saying: “If [businesses] want to look their workers in the eye and tell them their time with their families doesn’t count… they’ll get [that fight].”
