[Australia] WFH two days a week to become a right under Victorian government

In Victoria, Australia, working from home (WFH) is set to become a right enshrined in law under proposed legislation, Business News Australia reports.

Under the proposed law, if an individual can reasonably do their job from home, they will have the right to do so for at least two days a week.

The proposal was announced by the state government earlier this month. With Premier Jacinta Allan reportedly stating that "work from home works for families and it's good for the economy".

According to current estimates, WFH is estimated to be saving Australians $110 a week on average or $5,308 every year, while reducing congestion and giving people more free time.

In an August 2 press release, the state government said, "It gets more people working. Work from home supports women with children, carers and people with a disability to work. Thanks to work from home, workforce participation is 4.4 per cent higher than before the pandemic." 

"It’s good for business. Those who work from home are working nearly 20 per cent more hours than those who are working in the office full time."

The government, however, claims this is under threat from return-to-office mandates. The Department of Premier and Cabinet will lead a consultation to develop this legislation. They will consider the types and sizes of businesses that will be covered by this scheme, together with the definition of remote work and who can do it.

Consultation will reportedly centre on ensuring the law reflects the real-world experience of working from home and takes into account what’s fair, what’s practical, and what’s already working in many workplaces today.

"Not everyone can work from home, but everyone can benefit," Ms Allan said. "If you can do your job from home, we’ll make it your right – because we’re on your side."

Jaclyn Symes - Victorian Minister for Industrial Relations - reportedly said that WFH saves families money, means more people are in the workforce, and even cuts congestion.

"More than a third of Australians are working from home regularly, including more than 60 per cent of professionals – and the data says they are more productive, benefiting businesses and the economy," she said.

Source: Business News Australia

(Quotes via original reporting)

In Victoria, Australia, working from home (WFH) is set to become a right enshrined in law under proposed legislation, Business News Australia reports.

Under the proposed law, if an individual can reasonably do their job from home, they will have the right to do so for at least two days a week.

The proposal was announced by the state government earlier this month. With Premier Jacinta Allan reportedly stating that "work from home works for families and it's good for the economy".

According to current estimates, WFH is estimated to be saving Australians $110 a week on average or $5,308 every year, while reducing congestion and giving people more free time.

In an August 2 press release, the state government said, "It gets more people working. Work from home supports women with children, carers and people with a disability to work. Thanks to work from home, workforce participation is 4.4 per cent higher than before the pandemic." 

"It’s good for business. Those who work from home are working nearly 20 per cent more hours than those who are working in the office full time."

The government, however, claims this is under threat from return-to-office mandates. The Department of Premier and Cabinet will lead a consultation to develop this legislation. They will consider the types and sizes of businesses that will be covered by this scheme, together with the definition of remote work and who can do it.

Consultation will reportedly centre on ensuring the law reflects the real-world experience of working from home and takes into account what’s fair, what’s practical, and what’s already working in many workplaces today.

"Not everyone can work from home, but everyone can benefit," Ms Allan said. "If you can do your job from home, we’ll make it your right – because we’re on your side."

Jaclyn Symes - Victorian Minister for Industrial Relations - reportedly said that WFH saves families money, means more people are in the workforce, and even cuts congestion.

"More than a third of Australians are working from home regularly, including more than 60 per cent of professionals – and the data says they are more productive, benefiting businesses and the economy," she said.

Source: Business News Australia

(Quotes via original reporting)