Back to office for public sector workers in CBD boost

Business groups are celebrating a direction for NSW’s public service employees to stop working from home and return to their offices permanently.

Moving on from COVID-19-enforced flexible working arrangements, the government says workers need to stop taking working from home for granted or as “unlimited.”

But the union responsible for government employees – the Public Service Association – was not thrilled with the move and said any members who feel they are denied flexible work unreasonably should reach out.

The direction released on Monday said the “starting position is that work is primarily done in an approved workplace in NSW.”

“Arrangements to work from home on some occasions must take into consideration the wider needs of departments, agencies, the community and stakeholders,” the direction read.

Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou said the move was “great leadership” from Premier Chris Minns because it would increase foot traffic in the CBD.

“Business Sydney has consistently called for the government to take the lead in ending WFH arrangements … (it) will be a huge encouragement for the private sector in its efforts to bring their people back to the workplace,” he said.

“It is also a salute to the thousands of essential workers including emergency services, health professionals and transportation staff who have turned up and supported our city throughout.”

Property Council of Australia NSW executive director Katie Stevenson said the move was a “game-changer”.

“More workers means more life, more investment and more business for our cities,” she said.

Commonwealth public servants agreed to a landmark deal as part of their enterprise bargaining in 2023, including no caps on working-from-home days.

Big-four bank NAB sealed a similar deal with the Finance Sector Union, with flexible working arrangements weighted towards approval.

The NSW direction admitted flexible working arrangements had helped the public sector both attract and retain talented people, including those with caring responsibilities.

“(But) there are many ways to achieve flexibility in the workplace such as part-time roles, job-share arrangements, compressed hours, purchased leave, variations to starting and finishing times and career breaks,” it read.

PSA general secretary Stewart Little said his organization had always fought for flexible working arrangements

“Members of our union who believe they have a case for flexible working arrangements that have been overruled by their employer should contact us immediately,” he said.