The Premier’s Department has issued new guidance for government sector employees to primarily work from their office or workplace, a decision that has been welcomed by the NSW property sector.
This announcement represents a change that alters the flexible working arrangements that have widely been in place since 2019.
The circular from the Premier’s Department said Government Sector employees play a role in building and replenishing public institutions.
“That requires us all to have a sense of belonging to our organisations and our teams, to understand our part in broader service delivery, to build trusted networks with others outside our immediate teams and to pass on our expertise and support to colleagues, particularly those earlier in their careers who benefit from mentoring and on-the-job learning.
“These outcomes are supported by employees working principally at their approved workplace.
“Government Sector employees should work principally in an approved office, workplace or related work site.
“This Circular does not strictly prescribe patterns of attendance and many workplaces allow for ad hoc variations according to the needs of employees and organisations. However, the starting position is that work is principally done in an approved workplace in NSW.”
Property Council of Australia NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson said the move was a strong and positive step that will bring more vibrancy, investment, business, and talent to our cities.
“This is a game-changer for our CBDs and local centres. More workers mean more life, more investment, and more business for our cities,” Stevenson said.
“Our CBDs are the heartbeat of the economy, powering jobs, investment, and thousands of businesses that rely on bustling commercial centres. It’s great to see the NSW Government stepping up and leading the way by getting public servants back to their desks.
“We need vibrant commercial centres every day of the week and the Property Council has been consistent with its calls for government action to make public servants work from work.
“Our nurses, teachers, and police can’t work from home – there’s no good reason why other public sector workers should work under different conditions, almost three years after lockdowns.”
Ms Stevenson said the Property Council’s latest office vacancy data remains a long way from pre-covid levels.
“Sydney CBD vacancy rates are at 11.6 per cent which still historically high. This directive the shot in the arm we need to kickstart a vibrant, thriving city, ready for fresh investment and growth.
“With Metro City coming online soon bringing fast and reliable services, together with ongoing efforts to revitalise the night-time economy, and businesses that rely on thriving commercial centres, this news means Sydney’s set to soar into Spring and Summer.”
Property Council of Australia Victorian Executive Director Cath Evans said the Victorian Government should issue a similar directive.
“The benefits to productivity and workplace culture from working in the office are well established.”
A Victorian Government spokesperson said the government has “no plans to roll back the existing flexible working arrangements”.